Tell Tarsal Coalition Pain to Take a Hike!

Here in Colorado, children are practically born with hiking boots on and a trail map in their hand! Outdoor activities are a norm and start at a young age. The Parker Fieldhouse offers all kinds of sporting activities for kids to enjoy. Once Upon a Horse in Castle Rock offers horseback riding lessons, and Railbender Skate Park in Parker features 36,000 square feet of lighted skate park! However, for children dealing with tarsal coalition, these activities are often too difficult to enjoy. In fact, the stiffness and pain resulting from this condition can bring physical activity to a screeching halt.

Tarsal coalition can be present at birth, but signs of the condition might not show themselves until adolescence. The problem occurs because of an abnormal connection between two or more of the tarsal bones found in the mid and back of the foot. The bones grow into each other, often resulting in fallen arches and rigid flatfoot, stiffness, reduced ankle movement, and pain, making it difficult to walk much less run or skate or hike or play! Luckily, though, there are things you can do to ease discomfort. Taking a break from high impact activities and replacing them with lower-impact options like swimming and biking can help reduce stress on the bones. If your child is tough to keep down, a temporary boot or cast can ensure immobilization. Orthotic shoe inserts can help stabilize the foot and provide additional support and cushion, as well as correct biomechanical issues that may be adding to the problem. Recommended medication can minimize symptoms as well, and physical therapy can go a long way toward improving mobility. If all else fails, there are surgical procedures that can remove and replace the bones, or in severe cases, fuse them completely.