Did you know a paediatric physio can assess your child’s running style and offer advice to avoid developing injuries?
Most of us take it for granted that kids just naturally know how to run. It may seem surprising, but how a child runs can significantly impact their overall health and well-being.
By gaining insight into how your child moves while running, you can empower them with knowledge and techniques to enhance their performance and reduce the risk of injury.
In this article, we explore the signs that indicate your child may be running incorrectly, the potential injuries that could arise from poor running form, and the valuable insights and treatment options offered by your children’s physiotherapist at North West Physio Everton Park.
Warning signs that indicate a child may have an incorrect running style
Warning signs that suggest a child’s running style may be incorrect include – excessive rolling in turning outwards or inwards at the femur, tibia and foot areas. These might look like your child shifting their weight from the outside to the inside of their feet (or vice versa); inward collapsing of the knees.
Foot-strike is also important. Pounding your feet or heel-striking increases the impact on the joints.
Prolonged incorrect running form can strain tissue structures like tendons and muscles, leading to an increased risk of injury.
Muscle development in children vs adults
Children experience increased muscle firing patterns and muscle fibre recruitment through repeated nerve and muscle activation.
In contrast, adult muscle development examines fibre type and muscle volume.
Paediatric physio treatment for children’s running style
When your child experiences pain during physical activity due to their running style, it’s important to seek treatment. Physiotherapy can effectively address foot pain related to running style by assessing the hip, upper and lower leg for joint function and range of motion.
A paediatric physio can then suggest exercises to improve movement patterns and prevent future injuries. They may suggest that your child see a podiatrist for additional treatment, who can help examine their foot and ankle movements while walking and running. The podiatrist can also evaluate your child’s footwear and offer suggestions.
Paediatric physiotherapy exercises: running exercises for children
Your child’s physio or podiatrist might suggest tailored exercises to focus on particular muscle groups or improve movement patterns, such as lifts, jumping routines, and core stability exercises.
It is crucial to keep children engaged in regular physical activity and encourage them to maintain a consistent running regimen. This will help kids develop an effective running style that complements their body shape and size.
Additionally, it’s important not to instruct a child’s running technique excessively and instead allow them to develop their own form naturally.
Paediatric physiotherapy to unlock your child’s running potential
By understanding the importance of proper running techniques, recognising the warning signs and monitoring your child’s running technique regularly, parents can take proactive steps to address any issues and prevent future problems.
Call or book online with North West Physio Everton Park today.
By Natalie – Podiatrist
