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By Crofton Podiatry
February 01, 2017

Did you know that childhood obesity is on the rise in the United States? The stats are staggering: more than one third of children and teens are overweight or obese. Over the past thirty years, this statistic has grown exponentially! This is not good news, especially for families with developing children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity affects not only the physical health (excessive weight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, developmental issues, deformities, etc.), but the mental health (social anxiety and bullying) of children as well.

At Crofton Podiatry, we want you to be aware of some of the foot health effects of childhood obesity for your young ones. The following issues may occur and affect your children:

  • Flat Feet and Overpronation: The feet of obese children must bear much more weight than normally developing feet. It can result in flattened arches, wide feet, and overpronation when they walk. They may experience foot pain from the balls of their feet to the heels due to working harder to stabilize and mobilize. In this case, orthotics that have arch support may help reduce pain from fallen arches.
  • Joint pain and Leg-Length Discrepancies: Children grow at a faster rate than when they are adults. Excessive weight can bear down on growing bones and joints, resulting in joints that are unaligned or exacerbated leg-length discrepancies. When the joints or bones are not properly stacked, it can cause pain to your child.
  • Blount’s Disease: With this condition, the legs bow out to support excess weight and result in improper development of the ankles. Early treatment with orthotics can help to correct this issue, but when the problem becomes too severe, surgery may be required to regain proper bone and joint structure.  
  • Heel pain and Sever’s Disease: This issue causes your child pain from inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. Constant muscle strain and stress from trying to correct for carrying excess weight can wear down the tissues and ligaments connected to the heel. It can even lead to stress fractures if the problem goes untreated.

If your child suffers from issues related to obesity, see your pediatrician to find the best way to lead a healthy lifestyle for your child. Keep in mind: obese children may not have been exposed to much activity, but the excess weight can prevent them from successfully using activity to lose weight. Healthy foods and cardiovascular and strength-related activities should be part of daily regimens. Otherwise, your child may be more susceptible to injury, including strained tissues and stress fractures in feet and ankles. Children or teens that may be suffering from pain or deformity due to obesity should come see us for treatment. Dr. Brad Toll, our board-certified podiatrist can take care of your family’s needs. Call us today at (410) 721-4505 to make an appointment today at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

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2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114

Podiatrist - Crofton, Crofton Podiatry, 2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25, Crofton MD, 21114 (410) 721-4505