Common Back-to-School Foot Issues in Children

Between gym class, after-school sports, and walking to bus stops, kids and teens don’t have it easy when it comes to keeping their feet healthy. We at Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, understand that our children’s feet are under a lot of stress, which is why we’ve devised a list of the most common foot problems to look out for this school year.

Heel Pain

Heel pain is one of the most frequent complaints from children and teenagers as they head back to school, and it’s not just because their feet are tired; it’s often a sign of Sever’s Disease or Plantar Fasciitis. Sever’s Disease is an inflammation of the heel’s growth plate, which is common in active, growing kids who place a lot of stress on their Achilles tendons while running. 

Kids can also get plantar fasciitis if they run into sports too quickly without training over the summer. Listen to your coaches and get active before conditioning periods begin!

Ankle Sprains and Overuse Injuries

Speaking of rushing into things, the school year is a time of quick, unconditioned movements. Whether it’s chasing friends at recess or making a move on the court, a child’s foot and ankle are susceptible to injury.

That’s because muscles that haven’t been consistently used can be easily strained or sprained. A child’s feet also have to absorb the added weight of heavy backpacks, which can change how they walk and overwork their ankles. This is much more common in little kids than in teens.

Blisters, Rubs, and Shoes

Shoes are especially important for kids because they’re still growing. It’s easy to fit your kids in a pair of shoes that don’t fit them without even realizing it. But think about the painful blisters they can get after a long day of school, having worn a tight pair of shoes.

This time of year can also see a rise in ingrown toenails if new, more restrictive shoes put pressure on the toes.

Heavy Backpacks and Posture

This wouldn’t be a first day issue, but over time, a backpack that’s too big can cause all kinds of compensation issues that start in the back and work their way down to the feet. Think about it: if that extra weight is pulling you back, you’ll lean forward, naturally.

It’s these altered posture changes that affect their natural walking pattern, which can lead to a host of problems, from arch pain and plantar fasciitis to general foot fatigue.

Parents: ensure backpacks are not too heavy and that your kids use both shoulder straps to distribute their weight evenly.

For any questions about foot health and wellness, reach out to the tenured staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.