Excess weight on a child means the excess weight that their feet have to support. Every time they walk, run, or jump, there is extra weight bearing down on their feet and ankles. Because of that, children who are obese are more likely to experience foot and ankle issues. As obesity rates rise in kids, so does the importance of the parents’ job of keeping their children healthy.

Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas wants you to know the specific foot issues that can come with childhood obesity:

  • Joint pain: The joints in the ankles are strained by excess weight. There’s a heavier impact during running, jumping, or walking, which can cause joints to become painfully misaligned or even affect their growth patterns.
  • Flatfoot: Excessive weight in the body will push downwards on the feet, occasionally causing the arches to flatten. This can pull the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon, which can lead to even more pain in the feet.
  • Sever’s Disease: An inflammation of the heel’s growth plate is called Sever’s Disease. It can be quite painful and can eventually cause developmental foot issues if the growth plate becomes damaged or fractured.
  • Overpronation: This can also be a side-effect of fallen arches from excess weight. Fallen arches can cause the child’s ankles to roll inwards to help stabilize the feet, which the body perceives as off-balance. This can put a strain on the ligaments surrounding the ankles.
  • Blount’s Disease: Obesity can sometimes cause a child’s legs to bow out if their ankles develop incorrectly.

Many of the above issues can be treated but must be caught early for best results. Obesity is on the rise in our children. Not only can it lead to the above foot and ankle issues, but it can also lead to heart issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. Healthy foods and exercise can put your kid on a path towards a healthy lifestyle and a healthy body.

If you’re concerned about your child’s foot health, the professionals at Feet First Foot Care Specialists can answer any questions you might have. To schedule an appointment at our convenient Cromwell, Connecticut office, request one online, or call us today at 860-632-5499.

 

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416