Children: 4 Conditions That Affect Growing Feet

As children explore the world around them, their developing feet are constantly in motion. However, growth does not insulate children from podiatric complications; far from it. In fact, there are a few specific problems that parents should watch out for as their young ones develop, and they can be quite painful and limiting if they aren’t addressed promptly.

Northern Ankle Foot Associates is committed to providing the finest care and treatment for patients of all ages. Whether you’re a budding young athlete or an experienced adult competitor, we make every effort to offer not only top-quality treatment but also educational and preventative resources.

That’s why this blog will address some of the most typical pediatric ailments that we deal with at our practice, covering the conditions themselves, the symptoms they entail, and a brief overview of effective treatments.

1. Flat Feet

• Babies’ feet can appear flat due to extra baby fat. However, by the time they are walking around as toddlers, that should no longer be the case.
• It’s not normal for children to have very flat feet past early infancy, and failing to correct the issue at an early age with appropriate arch support can negatively affect foot and leg alignment as kids grow.
• Treatment options like supportive shoes or orthotics can offer comfort and promote proper arch development.

2. Ingrown Toenails

• Tight shoes or improper trimming can cause the nail edge to dig into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and pain.
• Early intervention by a podiatrist can involve simple nail trimming or minor procedures to ease discomfort and prevent infection.

3. Sports-Related Injuries

• Sports-related foot and ankle injuries, like sprains, strains, or stress fractures, frequently affect younger children.
• Conditions like Sever’s disease can inflict heel pain, while locker rooms, pools, and other athletic environments might be conducive to the virus that causes Plantar warts.
• A podiatrist can provide accurate diagnosis, pain management, and rehabilitation plans to get your child back on the field safely.

4. Gait Abnormalities

• Walking pigeon-toed or a foot that rolls inwards excessively might mean something is amiss.
• While some gaits might appear merely unusual and otherwise harmless, they can affect posture and balance in the long term.
• A podiatrist can assess your child's gait and recommend corrective measures like orthotics or exercises to ensure proper foot mechanics and prevent future complications.

 If your child is suffering from any of the conditions above, please reach out to Northern Ankle Foot Associates and contact us today. Dr. Robyn Joseph would be happy to help!