Recent surveys are showing that foot and ankle compications are a major deterrent to exercise and because this our children are becoming overweight.
A vicious cycle occurs with overwieght children. They should exercise and lose weight, but because of their weight, their feet hurt and they can't exercise.
An estimated 16 percent of U.S. children ages 6 to 19 are overweight and doctors are now begining to see more and more foot and ankle pain in obese children.
A staggering 72% of americans say they do not exercise because foot pain prevents them from doiung so. With the obestity rate soaring every year it makes it all the more important to see a podiatrists.
Being overweight can cause many problems in the feet. For example, the pressure of extra weight causes a flattening of the foot, very similar to what the weight of pregnant women does to their feet, resulting in a strain on the plantar fascia (the band of tissue which runs from the heel to the base of the toes), aprimary cause of heel pain.
Because the heel bone is not fully developed until the age 14 or older, overweight children are also more prone to Sever's disease. Although not an actual disease, it involves inflammation of the heel's growth plate due to muscle strain and repetitive stress. Walking makes the pain worse. Being overweight may also cause stress fracture, or hairline breaks in a child's heel bone.
A study surveyed 1,000 US adults, ages 18 and older, to gain public opinion on attitudes toward foot health and foot care. Results showed that Americans view their feet as the least important body part in terms of their health and well-being. However, feeet were the number 1 body part to experience pain, even more so than teeth or skin. As foot pain contributes to a variety of negative health consequences, it is important that Americans seek the care of a podiatrist immediately if problems arise.
Children may also complain of calf or arch pain. This can be caused by a flatfoot that is flexible. The collapsing of the arch can require more energy, making it difficult for a child to walk and run.
Some overweight children may suffer foot pain from congential or inherited foot conditions, such as bunions, hammertoes, pediatric flatfoot and tarsal coalition, an abnormal connection between two or more bones in the back and foot.
Foot and ankle surgeons may treat overweigth children with custom orthotic devices (shoe inserts), physical therapy and other conservative measures to reduce and eliminate pain. Parents SHOULD also watch their child's lifestyle and diet.
For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at
440-946-5858 or visit our website www.DrRobertRosentein.com
DON'T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR FREE BOOK FROM OUR WEBSITE!!!!!
AND REMEMBER....."WHEN YOUR FEET HURT, YOU HURT ALL OVER!"
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