Foot and ankle trouble doesn’t only affect people over the age of 18. JAWS Podiatry is pleased to offer pediatric care for your little ones.
Heel pain in children is an extremely common occurrence and the first indication is usually when your child begins to limp. Pediatric heel pain could be caused by a heel bone growth abnormality which leads to inflammation and soreness. Active children may also be more susceptible to fractures that trigger heel pain. Having your child evaluated by our podiatrist at the first sign of heel pain is the key to a faster, soothing recovery.
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTBunions may be a hot topic in the senior community, but that doesn’t mean children are immune. Children can develop bunions that do not require surgery if they are treated promptly. Serious bunions might require out-patient corrective surgery.
In-toeing is a condition more commonly referred to as walking “pigeon-toed.” One or both feet turn inward and cause limping, stumbling or falling while doing normal activities. This is usually caused by a structural issue within the foot, or a problem farther up in the hips. Out-toeing causes the toes to point outward while walking. Aside from looking different, most of the signs and symptoms of in-toeing and out-toeing are the same. Both conditions need to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible for optimal correction.
Plantar warts can occur anywhere on the foot, but usually at the bottom due to direct contact with the virus. Wats tend to affect children more than adults because they are highly contagious. These can be spread in the gym locker room, during dance class or while playing at the pool in the summertime. Not only are plantar warts irritating and embarrassing for a child, but sometimes painful. See a podiatrist before the wart spreads. Most warts are fairly easy to remove, but more advanced cases may require laser treatment.
Ingrown toenails can occur at any age and are one of the most common foot problems podiatrists see. The treatment is fast, as long as the patient does not let an ingrown toenail become infected. If that occurs, more serious medical complications can ensue.
Flatfeet, also known as pes planus, is used to describe feet with very low arches. This can cause pain, difficulty walking or fatigue. Orthotics, custom-molded to each patient’s foot, provide arch support while discreetly hiding within one’s shoes. It’s best to start orthotic use early on in order to minimize the pain or discomfort associated with flatfeet.
For more information on pediatrics at JAWS Podiatry, call our office at 954-922-7333.
