Children’s Podiatrist: Essential Foot Health for Kids and Teens

When it comes to your child’s health, their feet might not be the first thing on your mind, but they’re crucial to their overall development. Children’s feet are the foundation of stability and play a significant role in lower leg mechanics. As your child grows, they may encounter various foot issues that could impact their mobility and comfort.

Visiting a children’s podiatrist ensures early detection and intervention for any foot or lower limb conditions. These specialists can address everything from gait abnormalities to ingrown toenails, ensuring your child’s feet develop properly. Regular check-ups at key developmental milestones—such as 12 months, 18 months, and beyond—can help prevent long-term complications.

No concern is too small, and timely advice can make a world of difference. With over 40 years of experience, children’s podiatrists are adept at diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, empowering your child to stay active and healthy.

Paediatric Podiatrists

Paediatric podiatrists specialise in addressing foot and lower limb conditions in children and adolescents. They’re university-trained professionals who diagnose and treat a variety of issues like flat feet, toe walking, and lower limb pain. By focusing on early detection and timely intervention, paediatric podiatrists help prevent long-term complications and promote proper foot development.

Regular screenings are recommended at specific developmental stages: 12 months, 18 months, 3 years, 7 years, and 12 years. These check-ups can identify potential problems early, ensuring appropriate treatment. However, immediate attention is encouraged if any issues arise that affect your child’s mobility or comfort.

Paediatric podiatrists employ a holistic assessment approach, examining not just the symptoms but the overall medical context. This enables them to create tailored treatment plans that facilitate optimal physical potential. Common treatments include orthotic therapy and gait analysis, helping your child engage actively in everyday activities and sports.

Why your child might see a podiatrist

Determining when to consult a podiatrist can be crucial for your child’s foot health and overall development. Several specific conditions and symptoms might prompt a visit to a children’s podiatrist:

• Pain or Discomfort: Foot and lower leg pain, which may stem from conditions like Sever’s disease or childhood arthritis, should be assessed to prevent further complications.
• Structural Concerns: Issues such as flat feet, very high or low arches, and feet that turn inward or outward could affect mobility and balance.
• Gait Abnormalities: Observing patterns like toe walking, limping, or general unsteadiness can indicate underlying gait disorders needing professional attention.
• Skin and Nail Conditions: Problems like ingrown toenails, nail infections, or skin concerns such as warts, calluses, and corns can cause significant discomfort if left untreated.
• Sport Injuries: Active children are prone to foot and ankle injuries that might require specialised treatment to ensure swift and effective recovery.
• Developmental Milestones: Regular checks at intervals, including 12 months, 18 months, 3 years, 7 years, and 12 years, are recommended to catch and address potential issues early.

A consultation is advisable if you observe any abnormalities in your child’s walking, posture, or skin and nail health. Early intervention by a podiatrist not only addresses existing issues but also prevents potential long-term complications through tailored treatment plans.

Common Issues For Children’s Foot Health

Children’s feet are susceptible to various conditions as they grow and develop. Recognising these issues early on helps ensure proper foot health and prevents future complications.

1. Flat Feet
   Flattened arches result in the entire foot contacting the ground, causing discomfort. If untreated, flat feet may lead to further pain and mobility issues.
2. Ingrown Toenails
   The nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and potentially infections. Immediate attention can solve this problem and prevent further complications.
3. Intoeing
   Also known as pigeon toes, intoeing involves the feet pointing inward when walking. Although often resolving naturally, persistent cases benefit from professional evaluation.
4. Sever’s Disease
   Heel pain occurs in children aged 8-13, frequently due to increased sports activity. Inflammation in the heel’s growth plate necessitates management to maintain activity levels.
5. Warts
   Viral infections on the feet might cause discomfort and impact mobility. Addressing warts early prevents spread and long-term issues.

Always consult with a paediatric podiatrist if concerns arise about your child’s foot health. Early detection and intervention effectively manage these conditions, promoting active participation in daily activities.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in children, particularly those involved in running or jumping sports. This condition occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed, leading to pain and discomfort. It often affects children between the ages of 8 and 14 and is more likely during growth spurts.

Diagnosis involves a thorough assessment of symptoms and medical history, often followed by a physical examination. Imaging tests, like X-rays, aren’t typically required, as Sever’s disease can usually be diagnosed based on clinical evaluation.

Effective management includes reducing or modifying physical activities that exacerbate symptoms and employing supportive footwear or orthotic devices to alleviate heel stress. Stretching exercises targeting the calf and heel can also help, along with applying ice to manage inflammation.

If you notice persistent heel pain in your child, especially if they’re active in sports, consulting a children’s podiatrist is crucial. Early intervention and appropriate management can prevent long-term discomfort and ensure your child continues to participate actively in their favourite sports and activities.

Flat Feet in Children

Flat feet occur when a child’s foot arch collapses, causing the entire sole to contact the ground. It’s common in infants and young children, with arches typically developing by age 6. Persistent flat feet can result from genetics, loose ligaments, or medical conditions. While it often presents no obvious symptoms, flat feet can sometimes cause pain or impact the gait.

Podiatrists diagnose flat feet by examining the foot’s shape and functionality. Supportive footwear, orthotics, and exercises aid in managing discomfort. Fitted insoles or custom-designed arch supports help alleviate pressure and pain. In severe cases, a podiatrist might suggest permanent solutions to correct the condition.

Warts / Verruca / Plantar Warts

Warts, also known as verrucas or plantar warts when located on the feet, are viral skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They’re common in children and can quickly spread through direct contact.

Knee Pain

Pain in the knee joints of children can arise from numerous causes including growth spurts, overuse during activities, or underlying conditions. Observing persistent discomfort or swelling in your child’s knee suggests a need for a podiatrist’s assessment to determine suitable interventions like exercises or orthotic supports.

Knocked Knees

Knocked knees, where knees touch but ankles remain apart while standing, usually self-correct by age 7-8. Severe cases may result from conditions like obesity or rickets. Consulting a podiatrist helps you understand if treatment like braces or surgery is warranted to prevent complications.

In-Toeing

In-toeing, or pigeon-toed gait, occurs when a child’s feet turn inward while walking. It commonly resolves with growth. When in-toeing is due to twisted leg bones, discussing corrective measures such as special shoes or braces with a podiatrist assists in promoting proper foot alignment and walking patterns.

Tarsal Coalition

This is an abnormal fusion of foot bones, often present at birth but symptomatically appearing in adolescence. It can cause rigid flat feet and discomfort. Identifying tarsal coalition early through a podiatrist leads to effective treatment, potentially involving orthotics, activity modification, or surgical intervention for severe cases.

Curly Toes

Curly toes occur when one or more toes curl under others, often the third and fourth toes. This usually harmless condition often resolves naturally but if it causes footwear discomfort or pain, a podiatrist may suggest taping, splinting, or even surgical options.

Toe Walking

Toe walking is typical in toddlers but should cease by age 2-3. Persistent toe walking may indicate conditions like a shortened Achilles tendon or neurological concerns. Engaging a podiatrist aids in addressing underlying issues through interventions like physical therapy or bracing.

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail happens when the nail edge grows into the skin, causing pain or infection. Improper nail trimming or tight footwear are common causes. Seeing a podiatrist is key for treatment, ranging from home care recommendations to medical procedures involving nail removal or antibiotics. Prevention includes proper nail care and well-fitting shoes.

How a children’s podiatrist can help

Ensuring your child’s foot health is vital for their overall well-being and development. By consulting a children’s podiatrist, you can address and manage potential issues early on, preventing long-term complications. These specialists offer tailored treatments and advice, from orthotic therapy to gait analysis, supporting your child’s active lifestyle. Regular check-ups at key developmental stages ensure any abnormalities are detected and treated promptly. Whether it’s managing conditions like flat feet or addressing skin and nail concerns, a paediatric podiatrist provides the expertise needed to keep your child moving comfortably and confidently. Prioritising foot health sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is children’s foot health important?

Children’s foot health is vital as it affects their overall development, mobility, and stability. Proper foot care from an early age helps detect and address issues like gait abnormalities and ingrown toenails, preventing long-term complications. By maintaining healthy feet, children can remain active, participate fully in daily activities and sports, and avoid potential mobility challenges as they grow.

How often should my child see a podiatrist?

It is advisable to schedule podiatrist check-ups for your child at key developmental milestones: 12 months, 18 months, 3 years, 7 years, and 12 years. These regular check-ups help in early detection of potential foot and lower limb issues, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of long-term complications.

What conditions can a paediatric podiatrist treat?

Paediatric podiatrists can manage a wide range of conditions, including flat feet, toe walking, lower limb pain, gait abnormalities, ingrown toenails, and Sever’s disease. They assess these issues holistically, considering the overall medical context to offer tailored treatment plans that promote proper foot development and mobility in children.

What are common symptoms that need a podiatrist’s attention?

Common symptoms that may require a podiatrist’s attention include foot or lower leg pain, noticeable gait abnormalities like limping or toe walking, structural concerns such as flat feet, and skin or nail conditions like warts or ingrown toenails. It is crucial to consult a podiatrist if such symptoms affect a child’s comfort or walking ability.

How are flat feet in children managed?

Flat feet in children are managed through supportive footwear, orthotics, and exercises designed to improve foot function and comfort. While flat feet are common and usually asymptomatic in young children, persistent cases might require further intervention, such as customised treatment plans or, in severe instances, surgical options to correct the condition.

What is Sever’s Disease and how is it treated?

Sever’s Disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children aged 8 to 14, due to inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. Treatment includes modifying physical activities, wearing supportive footwear or orthotics, and performing stretching exercises to alleviate discomfort. Consulting a paediatric podiatrist ensures effective management and quick return to activities.