Experience Working With Children
Our Podiatrists have helped many children that suffer from foot or ankle conditions. We understand the sensitive nature of working with children and do our best to help them be at ease, by being compassionate to their fears and anxieties of visiting a doctor.
Here are a few of the most commonly seen conditions of the foot and ankle in children:
Flatfeet
This is the term given to feet with little to no arch. Flatfeet are often hereditary so look down at your own feet. Are they flat? If so, your children may have them as well. Flatfeet cause muscle imbalances in the feet that can lead to bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, tendonitis, and ankle pain.
Warts
Warts are caused by a virus that infects the top layer of the skin. The wart virus enters the skin through damaged areas like scrapes and cuts. The virus can spread to other parts of your body or to other people by touching the wart directly or by touching a towel, floor, or other object that also touched the wart. Pubic swimming pools are an example of a place where this can happen.
Ingrown toenails
This occurs when the edge of the toenail irritates or punctures the skin next to it. This can be caused by improper cutting of the toenail, trauma, or tight shoes. If left untreated, ingrown toenails will rapidly become infected.
Heel Pain
Heel pain in children is caused by inflammation of the growth center in the heel bone. This is caused by pulling on the area by the Achilles’ tendon. It is seen ofthen in children active in sports. Treatment is very successful and includes custom molded orthotics, stretching exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Juvenile bunions
Bunions in children can be very painful. Often surgical treatment is not attempted until after the bones stop growing. This is to prevent damage to the growth plates (the area where growth occurs) that could result in premature closing of the growth center and permanent deformity. Treatment includes custom molded orthotics, wider shoes, and padding.
What To Do Now
If your child is experiencing a foot and/or ankle condition or has suffered an injury while playing sports, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
