Pediatric Foot Problems

Children's Podiatry in Plano and McKinney

While parents are attuned to many issues young children face, feet are often not a focus of general pediatric health. However, a number of pediatric foot problems can be corrected if caught and treated early by a podiatrist. Here are some of the common foot ailments facing young children that our Plano podiatrists can correct.

General Foot Pain

This is not as typical in children as adults because the child’s foot is more flexible and resilient. However, ‘growing pains’ do occur naturally. Pain in the heel can be caused by Sever’s disease or calcaneal apophysitis.

Club Foot

Club feet are caused by a rare deformity, and even after corrective surgery at an early age, can continue to cause problems later in life. Our foot and ankle surgeons can assist with corrective surgery for club feet.

Flat Feet

Most children grow out of flat feet when the ‘fat pad’ in the arch area disappears with age. Flat feet are also not a common cause of pain in children, though being overweight can aggravate and cause aches. If the foot rolls inward at the ankle, foot orthotics may be required to correct the issue.

In-Toe & Out-Toe Walking

In-toeing means the foot points inwards instead of straight, while out-toeing is the excessive outward pointing of the foot. The biggest problem with in-toeing is the tendency for tripping, though other problems can occur rarely. This can be treated with specialized footwear. If your child is having pains from in-toeing or out-toeing, contact our office, and special shoes or foot supports to avoid excessive pressure on the foot structure may be recommended.

Metatarsus Adductus

This is a condition in which an infant’s feet may curl inward from the middle of the foot to the toe. Typically the issue corrects itself as the bones continue to form. However, if the problem persists beyond six to nine months of age, casts or corrective shoes may be recommended.

The Importance of Shoes

A vast number of adult foot problems could be prevented with proper footwear for children. Poorly fitting shoes cause many such issues. By assuring that your children’s shoes fit properly and offer sufficient support, cushioning and protection, you can help your child avoid serious pains later in life.

Podopediatrics

Also spelled “podopaediatrics” in some countries, this refers to the specialty in podiatry dealing with children’s feet. Our podiatrists in Plano are experienced in the care and correction of foot problems in children. If your child experiences any of the following, you may want to make an appointment with our doctors:

• Uneven shoe wear
• Lumps or bumps on the feet
• Persistent foot or leg pain
• Frequent tripping and/or falling
• Skin or toenail problems

We provide podiatry services in Plano, TX and McKinney, TX.