ample evidence to point to the opposite : Flat feet lead to childhood obesity . Feet which flatten out to excess are unstable , ultimately resulting in inefficiency in walking and running gait . Children suffer from early fatigue and clumsiness , affecting their skills and potentially causing them to lose interest in these physical activities .
Whenever possible , it is best to address disease or other health issues as soon as they develop . In the case of childhood obesity , actions taken early will reduce the risk of poor health outcomes later in life . More immediately , the important factor to address is the fact that obesity can affect development and cause pain or deformity as your child grows .
Does your child have foot or ankle pain due to being overweight ? Make a plan with your pediatrician to help him or her lose weight and eat right . When healthy foods and fun physical / aerobic activities are avoided , the body is more susceptible to injury , including strained muscle tissues and stress fractures . In addition , a podiatrist who specializes in children ’ s foot issues can help address their foot or ankle pain or deformity using orthotics . A pedorthist can facilitate their use by provide footwear that works with the orthoses . Providing well fit and properly selected footwear will also allow the pedorthist to aid in the treatment of this patient . PFA
JOINT PAIN Joint pain can range from mildly irritating to debilitating . It may go away after a few weeks ( acute ), or last for several weeks or months ( chronic ). Even short-term pain and swelling in the joints can affect quality of life . Whatever the cause of joint pain , it can usually managed with medication , physical therapy , or alternative treatments .
BLOUNT ' S DISEASE
Blount ' s disease is a growth disorder of the tibia ( shin bone ) that causes the lower leg to angle inward , resembling a bowleg . It is also known as " tibia vara ". It is named after Walter Putnam Blount ( 1900 – 1992 ), an American pediatric orthopedic surgeon .
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