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FOOT  PROBLEMS

 

Most foot complaints and injuries are minor, but they may cause your child a great deal of discomfort.

 

• Always ensure that your child's shoes fit properly. This will help to prevent general discomfort, and complications such as blisters will be less likely to occur. Have your child's feet measured regularly and budget for new shoes. 
• Although your child may enjoy wandering around barefoot in the house, make sure she wears adequate footwear outside to prevent injury. Also ensure that there is nothing on your floor at home that could damage your child's feet. 
• If your child has an infection, such as a verruca, seek advice from a pharmacist on the best way to treat it. 
• If your child has a sprained ankle, take measures to reduce the swelling and seek medical advice if necessary. 

Minor foot complaints such as veruccas will usually clear up without treatment being necessary. If a verucca does not disappear naturally seek medical advice.

 

Ingrowing toenail

 

An ingrowing toenail is a conditon of the toe in which one or both edges of the nail press to the adjacent skin leading to inflamation and infection.

 

• Causes of an in growing toenail include ill-fitting socks and shoes, the nail being cut incorrectly and poor personal hygiene. 
• Temporary relief from pain can be given by bathing your child's foot in a strong warm salt solution. After bathing the nail should be covered by a dry gauze dressing.  If there is any infection, you will need to consult your  doctor  for antibiotics. 

Blisters

 

A blister is a collection of fluid under the outer layer of the skin, which forms a raised area usually oval or circular in shape.

 

• The fluid in a blister is serum that has leaked from blood vessels in the underlying skin layers after minor damage has occurred. It is usually caused by friction (such as a shoe that rubs) or a scald or sunburn. The fluid is usually sterile and it protects the damaged tissue. 
• A blister is best left to heal itself. Do not burst the blister as the damaged tissue could become infected. Ensure your child always wears well-fitting shoes and socks. 
• In the case of large, troublesome or unexplained blisters, seek medical advice 

Cramp

Cramp is a sudden, involuntary and painful muscle spasm. It occurs commonly during sleep, but can also happen after exercise. In children, it can be caused by excessive loss of salt and fluid from the body if the child has a fever and is sweating.

 

To relieve cramp in the foot:

 

Help your child to stand with her weight on the front of her foot. 

When the first spasm has passed, gently massage the foot to relax the muscles. 

If your child has a fever, ensure she has an adequate fluid intake and give junior paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce her temperature. Consider giving rehydration sachets mixed with water - this will help to replenish the salts lost due to sweating. 

Veruccas

 

These are known medically as plantar warts. A verucca is a hard, horny, rough­ surfaced area on the sole of the foot caused by a virus called the papillomavirus.

 

• The infection is often acquired from contaminated floors at swimming pools. 
• Many verrucas disappear without treatment, but some persist for years or may recurs. 
• To relieve discomfort, a foam pad may be worn in the shoe. 
• Verrucas can successfully be removed by cry surgery (freezing the verruca or cautery (burning it), for which you will need to take your child to see a GP. 
• You may wish to try to treat the verruca yourself using one of the over-the­ counter preparations from your pharmacist. Always follow the instructions carefully and take particular care not to get the preparation on to the surrounding healthy skin as this can cause blistering and pain, which will further impede walking. 

A verucca is a contagious lump found on the sole of the foot. It may cause a child discomfort and pain.

 

Strains and sprains of the ankle

 

If your child experiences pain when she puts weight on her foot or her ankle is swollen, it may be sprained. If you suspect that the ankle may be broken, secure and support it and take your child to hospital immediately. A sprain (usually caused by a wrench or twist of the ankle) can be treated with the RICE procedure: Rest the injured part; apply Ice or a cold compress; Compress the injury by wrapping it firmly; Elevate the injured part.

 

Steady and support the ankle in the most position. 

Apply an icepack or cold compress to a recent injury to reduce swelling. 

Wrap the ankle in a thick layer of padding and then bandage firmly. 

Raise and support the injured limb to reduce the swelling.

Try to get your child to rest her ankle and seek medical advice if the pain persist. 

You can give your child an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, to help with pain and also reduce the swelling. If you are unsure what to give and what dose, ask you doctor or pharmacist for advice. 

Puncture wounds

 

Puncture wounds can occurs as a result of standing on a nail or piece of glass, for example. There is usually a small entry site, but a deep track of  internal damage. As germs and dirt can be carried far into the body, the risk of infection is high. Prompt action is needed to reduce blood loss shock and infection.

 

1.      Control blood loss by applying pressure over the wound and raising the injured part. For a foot injury where, for example, your child has stepped on a nail, lay her down on the floor and raise her leg, resting it on your knee, while you treat the blood loss. 

2.      If you cannot apply direct pressure to the wound, for example, if an object or bone is protruding, press down firmly on either side; Do not attempt to remove the object. 

3.      Take steps to minimize shock, which can result from, severe blood loss. Lay your child down with the injured part elevated if, you have not already done so. 

4.      Cover any open wound with a dressing, to protect it from infection and promote natural' healing. Apply a sterile dressing and bandage it firmly. 

5.      Secure and support the injured part. 

6.      Wash your hands well with soap and water before and after treatment so that there is no spread of infection between you arid your child. 

7.      If a foreign object is still in the wound, take your child to hospital for it, to be removed and for treatment: She may need an X-ray.

 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.