One in three teenagers suffer from foot pain from time to time. This is according to a 2012 Edge Research and American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) survey. Whether acute or chronic, foot conditions make it uncomfortable to stand, walk, or even sleep. You might also struggle with exercise, increasing the risk of a sedentary lifestyle.

Let’s understand the common problems associated with teenager feet and how to prevent and relieve the discomfort.

Common Teenager Feet Problems

Teenagers might suffer from the following foot issues.

Flat Feet

This condition has two variations. The first one is flexible flatfoot. There might be no arch when walking, but a low arch appears when sitting or standing on tiptoes. In most cases, the arch develops as the child grows, allowing them to run and play sports.

But with rigid flatfoot, no arch appears, whether sitting, walking, or standing on tiptoes. Contact a doctor if your teen’s condition causes ankle, knee, or foot pain. The same applies to situations where a normal arch turns into flat feet.

Athlete’s Foot and Fungal Infections

Athlete’s foot occurs when the fungi on your skin multiply due to warm and moist conditions. The infection manifests as flakiness between your toes and the soles of your feet. You may also develop blisters, discolored toenails, cracking skin, and a burning or stinging sensation.

Note that athlete’s foot is contagious; you can contract the itchy rash from walking barefoot in public locker rooms and pool areas.

You could also get the disease from sharing towels, shoes, and socks with an infected person or staying with wet feet for extended periods. Antifungal pills, powders, sprays, and gels have proven effective in treating the infection. However, proper hygiene goes a long way in preventing Athlete’s Foot. Make sure to wash and dry your feet before wearing shoes. Additionally, wear sandals when walking in public spaces and get moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry.

Ingrown Toenails

This condition occurs when the corner of your nail grows into the surrounding skin. It’s a result of toe injuries, trimming your nails too short, or wearing tight shoes. Besides being painful, the ingrown toenail may cause swelling around the edge, skin redness, and even discharge.

Fortunately, you can avoid this condition by wearing well-fitting shoes and cutting your nails to the correct length. If your nails are already ingrown, you can soften them by soaking your feet in warm water before trimming the toenails straight across. Furthermore, avoid digging into the ingrown nail with manicure scissors lest you stab your toe. Most importantly, take your antibiotics as instructed by the doctor to treat any infection that may arise.

Plantar Warts

These rough bumps form at the bottom of your feet when the human papillomavirus (HPV) breaks into your skin. Standing and walking pushes plantar warts into the skin, causing pain on the heels and balls of your feet. Like most viral infections, this condition is contagious and can spread in public spaces such as dormitories, spas, and gym bathrooms.

Your podiatrist can remove plantar warts using laser treatment, minor surgery, or electrocautery. They can also prescribe topical medicine to cut off the wart’s blood supply before removing it as a blister.

Note that plantar warts differ from common warts. Common warts can form anywhere on the body, including the hands, while plantar warts only develop on the feet.

Heel Pain and Sever’s Disease

This condition is characterized by a swollen and painful growth plate at the back of your heel. Sever’s disease is common in children aged 9–14 and results from continuously straining the heel during stages of rapid growth.

Teens who exercise or play sports are more prone to this disease. This is especially true when they overtrain, wear unsupportive shoes, or participate in jumping and running activities.

Causes and Risk Factors

Teenager feet problems could arise from:

Wearing ill-fitting shoes with inadequate arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption increases the risk of blisters, stress fractures, and strained muscles and ligaments.
Neglecting basic hygiene like washing and drying your feet exposes teenager feet to odor and fungal infections.
Participating in high-impact sports could cause sprains and fractures, especially when wearing the wrong shoes.

Prevention and Care Tips

You can save your feet with the following measures.

Avoid walking barefoot in public areas to avoid infections and injuries.
Stretch your feet regularly to enhance flexibility and circulation.
Watch your weight to reduce pressure on the feet.
Cut your nails properly. Trimming them too short or cutting the corners increases the risk of ingrown toenails.
Wear the right footwear. Your shoes shouldn’t be too loose or too tight. Additionally, go for pairs with arch support, cushioned soles, and wide toe boxes to accommodate your feet’s natural shape.
Wash and dry your feet daily to avoid sweating and fungal infections.
Inspect teenager feet for sores, cuts, and swelling.

When to See a Podiatrist

While you can care for your feet at home, it’s time to see a specialist if:

You injure your foot during sports
You have trouble standing or walking
You experience redness or swelling that won’t go away
Your nail seems infected
You have open wounds or sores
You experience ongoing pain even after taking painkillers, resting, or using ice packs

Conclusion

Understanding foot conditions in teenagers is crucial for healthy development and improving the overall quality of life. Even if your feet are healthy, regular podiatric check-ups go a long way in detecting potential complications before they get out of hand. Need foot care advice? Contact Foot Specialists of Birmingham to protect your teenager feet.