Andrew Clarke, Podiatrist » Children

May is World Foot Health Awareness Month: Baby Walkers

Andrew — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:53:46 +0000

Today's Foot Health Awareness Tip: Avoid Baby Walkers.

Children will decide to walk independently when their bodies are able to. Baby walkers place extra stress on joints before nature intended. In addition they cause the foot and lower limb to move in an unnatural walking pattern.

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Traction Apophysitis – progress report

Andrew — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:56:04 +0000

I have just seen the 8 year old child with Traction Apophysitis featured in previous posts. Since January 26, when I first saw him, he has followed a strict programme of reduced activity.

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Traction Apophysitis-feedback

Andrew — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:26:17 +0000

Here's some feedback on the boy with the traction apophysitis. Did you think the overuse was extreme? What did you think of the training routine?

Firstly, he has wonderful parents! They have followed my advice to wear shoes and avoid all activities that cause stretching of the Achilles tendon. Secondly,they have been surfing the Internet to find out more about the condition. They showed the youngster pictures and explained the reasons why he has to take it easy. This means that he understands that time spent recovering now will enable him to participate again when the condition settles. Thirdly, they have stopped all sport at school.

A Sports Injury or Child Abuse?

Andrew — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 19:17:32 +0000

How much sport is enough for a child? When does too much sport become abuse? Is an over-use injury at a young age, in the pursuit of excellence worth the possible long-term consequences? Consider this: