Pediatric Foot Care

Pediatric foot care is a type of podiatry focused on diagnosing and treating foot and ankle problems in infants, children, and teenagers. Kids suffer from many of the same foot and ankle problems as adults. However, because their bodies are still growing, they tend to present different symptoms.

Also, children and adolescents are usually more physically active. Wear-and-tear damage can cause a variety of common foot problems, including heel pain, ankle pain, and stress fractures.

At Caring Podiatry, the team specializes in pediatric foot care. They regularly diagnose and treat:

Ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when your child’s nail curves downward and grows into the soft skin surrounding their nail bed. If your child has diabetes or another chronic condition, an ingrown toenail can lead to serious complications such as infection or an open wound.

Warts

Warts are small, fleshy bumps that develop on the weight-bearing areas of your child’s feet. They’re caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus and are spread through direct contact. If your child regularly spends time at the public swimming pool or a school gym, they’re also more likely to develop warts.

Heel pain

Heel pain can occur as a result of plantar fasciitis or due to an injured Achilles tendon. More benign issues, such as bruising or wear-and-tear can also cause heel pain. Usually, heel pain that affects children and teens is a result of physical activity such as playing sports.

Flat feet

If your child has flat feet, it means the soles of their feet make contact with the ground every time they stand up or take a step. This common foot deformity doesn’t always present symptoms, but when it does, it’s associated with pain and immobility.

Pediatric foot care is important because it works to ease pain and promote mobility. Foot and ankle problems can sideline your son or daughter and prevent them from participating in their favorite activities.

Pediatric foot care can pinpoint the source of these symptoms and treat them effectively. It also promotes healthy growth, in general.

To learn more about the benefits of pediatric foot care, make an appointment at Caring Podiatry today by calling the office nearest you or clicking the online scheduling tool.