Pediatric Foot and Ankle Care Services

What You Need To Know

Understanding your child’s foot health during their critical growing years.

Pediatric Podiatry for Growing Feet

Children’s feet are different to that of adults. When they are young, their bones are still very soft and are therefore more easily affected by abnormal pressure and forces. It is important to nurture our children’s feet as most of the issues we see in adults have stemmed from issues as children. The younger a child is assessed and diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and manage the issue.

Our pediatric podiatrists have significant experience treating a variety of foot and ankle conditions that arise while children and teenagers are still growing and physically developing. Whether your child needs help with a one-time injury or has an ongoing issue, we can provide expert care while ensuring that your child feels comfortable and relaxed throughout the treatment process.

You should bring your child to our office any time your child experiences foot pain or notices an abnormality in the appearance of their feet. Pain in children is never normal and can be a sign of an injury, infection, or biomechanical issue that needs addressing.

As early as infancy, you can see abnormalities in the feet, like club feet. Once your child starts walking, you may notice they prefer to walk on their toes or walk with their toes pointed inward or outward. If you have any questions about your child’s feet, please consult with our pediatric podiatry specialists so we can ensure their feet and ankles are healthy and functioning properly.

Common Pediatric Conditions and Care

Our providers treat all types of pediatric foot conditions, including pediatric flatfoot, calcaneal apophysitis (Sever’s disease), ingrown toenails, plantar warts, sports injuries, ankle sprains, foot wounds, athlete’s foot, and toenail fungus. Most pediatric foot care conditions are temporary and resolve quickly with proper care.

Affecting older children around 8 to 14 years of age, Sever’s disease is an inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel bone (essentially, “growing pains” in the heel). Children who engage regularly in sports are more likely to experience this condition. A professional examination, rest, and conditioning exercises are usually enough for the condition to resolve itself within a few months.

Parents may also notice their child’s feet turn inward (“pigeon-toed”) or outward while walking, or that they walk primarily on their toes. In many cases, a child will grow out of these patterns as their muscles and coordination develop. However, these symptoms can also be signs of nerve or muscle conditions and should be monitored.

Custom orthotics are prescribed shoe inserts that can help restore correct foot and ankle posture during the critical years of physical development. Their use can prevent complications in the future. Once your child is walking, allow them to walk barefoot inside the house and wear shoes with wide toe boxes outdoors to help build the muscles of the foot. Schedule a visit today so we can support your child’s healthy development.