Teenagers are at risk for foot and ankle problems. Learn about preventative care with Dr. Arti C. Amin at the Corona Foot and Ankle Group.
Have you ever been ignored by your teenager? Teenagers have a remarkable ability to ignore people and issues they don’t want to deal with – chores, homework, curfew, and hygiene. Added to that list may also be foot pain. Teenagers are at risk for foot and ankle problems not only because they generally tend to be bad at performing consistent preventative care, but also because they tend to ignore pain when it presents itself. This tendency to ignore or ‘shake it off’ when it comes to pain, can lead to worse consequences later on.
Some studies estimate more than half of teenagers live with some kind of pain in their feet or ankles day-to-day. Another study found that though six in 10 teens have had a foot problem in their lives, most self-medicate or just live with the problem. This pain could be caused by a plethora of reasons, including sports injuries, hereditary traits, poorly-fitting shoes, and bad posture. To avoid long-term consequences, both prevention and professional care are critical.
Preventative measures include: washing feet every day with soap and water, then letting them dry completely before putting on socks and shoes; properly cutting toenails; checking for changes on the skin including warts, fungal rashes, cuts, blisters, and more; and wearing well-fitting shoes and choosing activity-appropriate footwear. For example, sports are the major cause of foot pain among teens. Half who have had pain say sports was the source. Three-quarters of high school students play a school or recreational sport, and of them, four in 10 have injured their feet. Two in 10 suffer from foot pain from uncomfortable shoes — girls more than boys. High heels are the most painful shoe choice.[i]
The time to develop a good foot care routine is in one’s teenage years; caring for feet at an early age reduces the risk of complications later. Teenagers who see a podiatrist are more likely to properly care for their feet.
Dr. Amin is an expert in foot care and she is well-experienced working with people of all ages, including teenagers. At Corona Foot and Ankle Group we believe in the significance of patient education. Whether you are suffering from an injury, hereditary issue, or another cause of foot pain, or are simply looking for develop healthy foot care routines at a young age, Dr. Amin will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan or routine to address your specific feet.
Though a thorough skin and foot-care habit is a great defense against foot pain, sometimes issues will arise and a podiatrist should be consulted. For example, teenagers who share a gym locker room are at higher risk for infectious foot diseases like plantar warts. While anyone can get a plantar wart, they are most common in children and teenagers who walk barefoot in communal areas, particularly warm, wet environments like locker rooms. There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar warts and other skin ailments that affect the feet, and it’s best to consult with a professional podiatrist to find which treatment is best for you or your teenager.
Whatever your foot skin issues are, if you see something weird or you’re in pain, make an appointment at Corona Foot and Ankle Group. Early diagnosis and treatment are extremely beneficial. While there for treatment, Dr. Amin and her friendly, informed staff will offer tips and tools for healthy foot maintenance. It’s never too early to start taking care of your feet.
[i] https://www.hometownlife.com/story/life/wellness/2015/08/14/podiatry-group-says-teens-need-better-foot-care/31722115/
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