Podiatry for Children

Children’s foot care is often overlooked.  Foot pain and other conditions are generally not as common in children as they are in adults, due to the flexibility and resilience of tissues in their feet.  However, children’s feet are soft and pliable, so the foot can easily become deformed if abnormal pressures are put on them.  We’ve all heard our children complain of ‘growing pains’ in the feet and legs, but there are some specific causes that may need to be treated if pain persists.

Sever’s disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is a painful condition in children where the growth plate in the heel of the foot becomes inflamed.  It usually occurs during the growth spurt of adolescence, when the growth plates are expanding and uniting.  Flat feet can also be evident at a younger age.  Flexible flat foot or pronated feet in children is usually painless, but may result in an achy arch if the child is overweight, or as they get older.  Lastly, some infants are born with feet that bend inwards from the middle of the foot to the toes.  This is called metatarsus adductus, and usually improves on its own.  On occasion, corrective shoes or casts might be recommended if it doesn’t resolve on its own.

Attention to footwear during the childhood years is extremely important because many adult foot problems can originate in childhood.  Poorly fitting shoes, both too tight and too loose, can cause toes to bunch or blisters to recur.  An incorrect gait could also be the result, such as walking with toes pointed outward or inward rather than straight ahead.

We highly recommend that you take your children to a podiatrist as early as 1 year old.  An initial exam can determine any abnormalities that need to be addressed, as well as educate you as a parent on proper foot care for your little ones.  Give us a call to schedule an appointment or click here to request an appointment online!

 

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.