Usually when we think about podiatrists, we often associate the practice with caring for mature, well-used feet. And that’s not too far from the truth – we do maintain feet and ankles that have tread many miles.
However, what many may not be aware of is that we also care for those less-used feet belonging to infants, children and teens, too. In fact, children’s foot care is a vital part of growing up with healthy feet and ankles into adulthood. This is especially true for children who are active in sports and regular physical activity.
And since we know how much your child means to you, we aim to provide the kind of pediatric foot care that we know you would. The staff at the office of Wilks Advanced Foot Care in Roseburg, OR is dedicated to relieving your child’s foot pain and taking the necessary steps to ensure there are no long-term concerns.
A good way to start is by becoming familiar with the many foot and ankle problems that often develop in “new” feet. Children often can’t recognize when there is actually something wrong – a painful heel or an ingrown toenail can go unnoticed merely because children don’t quite know how to communicate their symptoms.
Common Pediatric Foot Conditions
Now, when it comes to caring for children’s feet, we often find that some issues tend to be more common than others, and some of these conditions will likely be different than those experienced by adults.
Here are some of the most common pediatric foot conditions we treat at our office:
- Sever’s disease. Heel pain is rather common for children, and the usual culprit behind it is a condition known as Sever’s disease. It often strikes between the ages of 8 and 14 and is even more prominently seen in kids who are physically active.
- Sports injuries. Being active always comes with the risk of injury. Common sports injuries like stress fractures, Achilles tendinitis, and ankle sprains are often treated successfully with nonsurgical methods.
- Flat feet. This is not an abnormal situation – babies are born with flat feet and the fat pads on the inside edges of the feet hide any arches. Additionally, it takes time for foot arches to fully develop. But if your child does experience pain or difficulty with walking, then it’s a good idea to take a closer look.
- Ingrown toenails. This particular condition often stems from one of two main root causes – tight shoes or improper nail trimming.
- Plantar warts. Warts are caused by a common virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV) and virtually everyone will be infected and develop at least one of these growths during his or her lifetime. They are quite contagious and can take up to a couple of years before disappearing without intervention.
No matter what condition may be plaguing your child’s feet, one thing always holds true: symptoms need to be addressed immediately in order to prevent any long-lasting problems throughout adulthood.
So, stay on the lookout for any concerning signs that might indicate something is wrong.
Look Out for These Symptoms
As we already have mentioned, children with foot problems not always know how to communicate what they are feeling. However, there are several non-verbal cues which may clearly indicate that something is amiss.
Some of these non-verbal cues include:
- Not wanting to participate in activities they usually enjoy.
- Not being able to keep up with their peers, particularly when running.
- Tripping or falling often, especially when running.
- Not wanting to show you their feet or hiding their feet.
- Complaining of pain in their lower extremities.
- Unusual gait patterns or walking strangely.
You should observe the way your child walks and runs. Look at their feet. Do you notice any in-toeing or out-toeing? Or maybe your toddler is still walking on their toes after the first 2-3 months of walking? These are all symptoms that should be evaluated.
It may be the case that no treatment is even necessary. However, knowing for sure that your child’s feet are healthy will definitely bring you some peace of mind. And if there is anything that requires treatment, the earlier you catch it, the better.
So, if you see any of these tell-tale signs in your child’s behavior, come visit our office today!
We Provide Expert Pediatric Care Every Step of the Way
We certainly hope your child does not develop any foot or ankle condition that causes pain or restricted mobility, but we are here to provide effective child foot care if anything happens. Bring your child in for a visit to the office of Wilks Advanced Foot Care, and we will take the necessary steps to alleviate any pain and restore their feet to a natural, healthy state.
