Why is foot care important in pediatrics?
As your child grows and develops, it’s important to keep an eye on their feet and ankles. Children can inherit many foot deformities and disorders. A diagnosis and early intervention can help prevent certain complications, such as ankle instability and plantar warts.
Which foot conditions affect children?
Some of the most common foot deformities and injuries that affect children include:
Ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of your child’s toenail begins growing into the surrounding skin, causing pain, inflammation, and redness.
Plantar warts
Plantar warts typically affect the bottom of your child’s feet. Unlike common warts on the knees, elbows, and hands, plantar warts often develop underneath a thick layer of callused skin. This makes plantar warts difficult to treat at home.
Flat feet
Flat feet happen when the arches of your child’s feet collapse and the entire sole touches the ground. While flat feet are common in babies and young children, they can cause complications, including heel pain, if they continue after age 7.
Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that typically develops between the toes. It often occurs in children who swim or participate in activities that involve walking around barefoot in damp environments, such as a locker room.
When does my child need to see a podiatrist?
You should take your child to Mercer Ocean Podiatry for a comprehensive evaluation if they suffer an injury, such as an ankle sprain or fractured toe, or if they show signs of a fungal infection.
Mercer Ocean Podiatry also recommends bringing your child in for a visit if they:
- Experience chronic foot pain
- Walk in-toe or out-toe
- Suffer a limited range of motion
- Have redness or inflammation
During an initial exam, the team of board-certified podiatrists and ankle surgeons performs a full evaluation of your child’s feet and ankles. If they need any further information, they may order an X-ray or other imaging tests.
Which pediatrics treatments do podiatrists provide?
Keeping your child’s feet healthy involves a combination of treatments and techniques. Depending on the condition, the team can create custom-fit orthotic inserts that mold to your child’s feet to improve their posture and ability to walk without pain.
Stretches and strengthening exercises can also help improve your child’s foot and ankle health if they’re prone to injuries, while an ankle brace helps keep their feet and ankles stable during activity. For infections, the team offers a variety of topical treatments.
To schedule a pediatrics foot evaluation with Mercer Ocean Podiatry, call or book online today.
