Pediatric Foot Care

What is Pediatric Foot Care? Why is it important?

Pediatric foot care involves the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions in infants, adolescents, and teenagers.

Unlike adults, children’s feet are still growing, making them more susceptible to certain foot and ankle conditions that can lead to long-term health problems if left untreated. Pediatric foot care focuses on the unique needs of children to ensure healthy growth and development and prevent future complications.

Common foot conditions in pediatric patients

We treat a variety of pediatric foot conditions, including ingrown toenails, warts, sports injuries, heel pain, and flat feet. Other foot and ankle problems common among children include:

• In-toeing (pigeon toes) and out-toeing (duck feet)
• Ankle sprains
• Growing pains
• Toe walking
• Bunions

Signs your child should see a podiatrist

Annual checkups with a pediatric podiatrist, while not always required, are recommended for monitoring a child’s foot and ankle development and overall health. It’s also important to keep an eye out for specific warning signs of foot and ankle injuries that require immediate attention.

Prolonged foot pain

If your child frequently complains about foot pain, you should take them to see a professional. Foot, ankle, and heel pain that lasts over a prolonged period or doesn’t get better with rest could be a sign of an underlying, more serious condition.

Frequent tripping or falling

Regularly stumbling or falling while walking or running can be a sign of balance issues or other abnormalities. Lots of children are highly active and known to take a few tumbles here and there. This won’t look like a regular trip on the playground but rather weekly or daily falls, or even difficulty keeping up with other kids without stumbling.

Struggling to find comfortable shoes

Foot pain and deformities can make it difficult to find properly fitting, comfortable shoes for children. If your child frequently feels uncomfortable with shoes on, you should take them to a pediatric podiatrist who can assess and work to identify the source of discomfort.

Unexplained swelling or redness

Swelling, redness, or warmth in the foot or ankle can be a sign of inflammation or infection. Consider taking your child to a professional for evaluation if these symptoms arise without a clear explanation.

Gait changes

Changes in your child’s walking patterns, such as limping, in-toeing, or out-toeing, can indicate developmental issues that should be assessed by a professional.

Benefits of addressing pediatric foot problems early

Addressing foot conditions early allows for timely intervention, ensuring children receive preventative care that promotes long-term foot health and enhances their overall well-being.

Allows for timely correction

Catching pediatric foot problems early allows professionals to work to correct abnormalities before they become chronic.

Ensures healthy growth and development

Treating gait changes and conditions like flat feet, in-toeing, or out-toeing early on ensures normal growth and development and prevents the appearance of compensatory walking patterns that can cause pain in other body parts.

Helps to avoid invasive treatments

Introducing preventative care measures and non-surgical treatment options in early developmental stages can reduce the need for invasive treatments later on.

Promotes awareness and healthy habits

Early intervention helps to educate and promote proper foot care, instill good habits, and enhance understanding and ability to identify early warning signs of food conditions.

What to expect during a pediatric podiatry visit

Knowing what to expect ahead of your child’s Volunteer Podiatry visit can help to ensure a smooth experience. While experiences are unique to each patient’s needs, we prioritize comfort and thoroughness at every visit. Here are some things you may encounter during your time with us:

• Consultation: Our initial consultation involves a review of medical history, past foot issues, current symptoms, and concerns or observations you’ve made about your child’s foot health
• Physical exam: We’ll take a closer look at your child’s feet, ankles, and lower legs to look for deformities and inspect for swelling, abnormalities, or sensitivities, as well as assess mobility and flexibility
• Analysis and diagnostic tests: We may perform a gait analysis to identify things like limping or toe-walking, assess weight distribution while moving, or perform additional diagnostic tests, like x-rays, ultrasounds, or an MRI if deeper issues are suspected
• Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-ups: We’ll explain what we’ve found and talk through treatment options, preventative care recommendations, and any next steps, which will likely include scheduling regular follow-ups to monitor progress and make adjustments to treatment as needed