Exercises can strain Overweight Children Causing Foot Pain

Overweight children may experience foot pain. According to an Australian study, the pressure of certain exercises may be to blame. You see, because these kids can have fatter and flatter feet, overweight children are at risk for increased pressure on the arch—leading to foot pain and discomfort. This could ultimately cause kids to avoid participating in physical activity, causing a vicious cycle.

In fact, in a previous study, lead author Diane L. Riddiford-Harland of the University of Wollongong found that overweight kids had higher walking “plantar pressures” than normal-weight kids. The study also linked the higher pressures and flattening of the arches to a possibility that the kids would be less physically active. Luckily, there are other options. Swimming or cycling could provide a comfortable alternative for overweight children with foot pain.

Keeping your children’s feet healthy is essential for securing their overall health into adulthood. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Prevent Overweight Children Foot Pain

Kids need different forms of foot care at different stages.

Even though babies aren’t walking, caring for their feet should involve:

• Staying away from socks that are too tight for your baby’s feet. This can cause pain and allow less circulation
• Encouraging your baby to move their feet as much as possible

When your baby begins to learn how to walk, do not panic if they are unsteady on their feet. Toddlers are just getting used to the way in which their feet work so wobbliness is completely acceptable.

When your child grows out of their toddler years, here are a few steps they should take to stay with good health within their feet:

• Practice proper hygiene with them
• Be observant of any injuries that might occur

Additionally, getting regular exercise and ensuring proper shoe fit can help prevent foot pain for overweight kids, as well as kids of all shapes and sizes.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Spring and Tomball, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.