Babies, children, and adolescents share unique risks for various foot disorders, including clubfoot, in-toeing, plantar warts, and athlete’s foot. Expert podiatrists Eric Harmelin, DPM, and Rikhil Patel, DPM, offer care to children and education for parents regarding child foot disorders at Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center in Annapolis, Stevensville, and Glen Burnie, Maryland. To schedule an evaluation for your child’s foot concerns, call Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center or book online today.
Child foot disorders are deformities or complications that tend to affect children’s feet. Some affect children exclusively, while others are simply common in kids. Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do to make sure your child’s feet grow and develop correctly, and in some cases, children can grow out of foot disorders.
Child foot disorders often start when they’re babies or toddlers since their feet are very flexible and soft. Some common foot disorders in children are:
You may suspect your child has a foot issue if they start to complain of heel pain or other discomforts.
Some foot disorders in children are preventable as long as you care for their feet well, starting when they’re infants. Before your child’s first birthday, you should avoid putting them in tight socks that can constrict the proper growth and development of their feet.
Once your child starts growing up, teaching them to wash their feet frequently can help prevent foot fungus and infection. It’s also important to keep a close eye on your child as they learn to walk to ensure no injuries occur. You should make sure your child has a pair of supportive shoes that fit well.
Fortunately, child foot disorders are usually pretty easy to treat and rarely require surgery because children are still growing. The ongoing growth makes their muscles and bones more plastic than in adults, and with the proper training and foot care, they may be able to grow out of the issue.
Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center can look over your child’s feet and might use X-ray imaging to understand the inner structures better. If treatment is necessary, they may recommend:
Surgery is rarely necessary, but Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center works with you throughout the process if your child needs it. They may recommend soft tissue reconstruction or gradual correction with external fixation devices, among other strategies.
If your child’s feet look unusual in any way, or if they seem to struggle with walking, call Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center or schedule an appointment online today.