Pediatric Foot and Ankle Care Services

What Parents Should Know

Understanding your child’s foot development and when to seek care.

Pediatric Podiatry for Growing Feet

Having strong, healthy feet allows your child to walk, run, and play. If your child’s feet form correctly, certain types of back and leg pain can be avoided later in life. Exams of the feet and ankles ensure that your child’s bones are growing correctly. Your doctor can also make sure that your child is walking right, which helps prevent future foot problems. If a problem does arise, it can be treated early, when it is easiest to treat.

Both the size and shape of your child’s feet change quickly during the first year of life. Because a baby’s feet are flexible, too much pressure or strain can affect the shape of the foot. Allow your baby to kick and stretch, and make sure shoes and socks don’t squeeze toes. Many infants have feet that appear to turn in, but this is rarely a problem.

Your toddler will walk when he or she is ready. Once walking begins, watch your child’s gait. If your toddler’s feet are fat, flat, and floppy, don’t worry. This is usually normal, and many toddlers toe-in but most outgrow the problem.

The foot’s bone structure is well formed by the time your child reaches age 7 or 8. If a growth plate is injured, the bone may grow oddly, but with a doctor’s care, the risk of future problems is reduced. If you have concerns about your child’s feet or gait, schedule a consultation with our pediatric podiatrists.

Treatments and Prevention

Our pediatric podiatrists have significant experience treating a variety of foot and ankle conditions that arise while children and teenagers are still growing. Whether your child needs help with a one-time injury or has an ongoing issue, we provide expert care while ensuring that your child feels comfortable and relaxed throughout treatment.

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts prescribed by your podiatrist. For children and teenagers, they can help restore correct foot and ankle posture during critical years of physical development. Orthotics are often needed early to correct abnormal flat feet and intoeing problems, helping prevent complications later. For severe flat feet, special shoes or orthoses may be prescribed.

When you bring your child in for foot, ankle, or leg pain, we won’t just treat the symptoms. We seek the underlying cause and work toward a permanent solution whenever possible. Common issues we treat include heel pain, shin splints, sports injuries, ingrown toenails, and pain caused by an abnormal gait. If a bone or growth plate is damaged, your child may need crutches, a cast, splint, or brace during healing.

Proper footwear also plays a big role. Check your child’s shoe size often and make sure there is space between the toes and the end of the shoe. Avoid hand-me-down shoes, since most shoes mold to the foot. With early evaluation and the right care plan, most pediatric foot concerns can be resolved before they lead to long-term problems.