Children Foot Care

Pediatric Flat Foot

Foot arches typically begin to develop around the age of 3. Many children may appear to have flatfoot when they stand or walk, a condition known as flexible flatfoot. In this case, the arches are visible when the child is sitting with legs dangling but disappear when they stand.

Foot arch development continues until about age 8, when the arches become stronger and flatfoot becomes less common, although it is not particularly rare. Flexible flatfoot usually does not cause pain in younger children, but symptoms may appear as they approach adolescence. Symptoms of concern include chronic pain along the bottom of the feet and lower leg fatigue. Children with flatfeet often say “my legs are tired” after walking short distances. If your child experiences these symptoms, contact our practice to schedule an appointment.

Treatment for pediatric flatfoot is typically conservative. Custom orthotics prescribed by our pediatric foot care doctors can often correct issues associated with flatfoot, such as overpronation.

Other Common Child Foot Injuries

In addition to pediatric flatfoot, we frequently treat other conditions, including:

Plantar Warts: Caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), plantar warts on the bottom of feet can lead to pain and discomfort. If your child has a wart on their foot, request an appointment for evaluation and treatment.

Sports Injuries: Many children and adolescents in the communities participate in sports, which can lead to injuries. Most sports injuries do not require surgery and can be effectively treated with conservative methods.

Sever’s Disease: This is not a disease, but a condition where the heel bone grows too quickly, causing the Achilles tendon to tug on it and resulting in heel pain. It is the leading cause of heel pain in children but generally does not cause long-term problems. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.

Potential Treatment Options

We aim to treat pediatric foot conditions with nonsurgical methods whenever possible. Common treatments include:

• Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain and inflammation. Always check with our office for dosage recommendations.
• RICE Therapy: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
• Orthotic Devices: Customized orthotics can address a range of issues. We ensure they are tailored to accommodate your child’s unique feet.
• Surgery: While rare, surgery may be recommended in some cases. Our skilled foot surgeons provide expert care if surgical intervention is necessary.

Child Foot and Ankle Injury Prevention Tips

Preventing foot and ankle problems is always preferable. Here are some tips to lower the risk for your child:

• Ensure shoes fit correctly and are appropriate for the activity. We can help you make the right shoe choices.
• Monitor your child’s weight to reduce stress on their feet and ankles. Encourage participation in sports or physical activities.
• Establish a regular stretching routine, especially for the calf muscles and Achilles tendons, to help reduce pain caused by Sever’s disease.

If your child experiences foot or ankle pain, contact us as soon as possible. Early treatment leads to better outcomes. Call us at 972-899-2170 to schedule an appointment.