What are child foot disorders?
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.
Which foot disorders are common in children?
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:
- Flat feet In-toeing
- Toe walking
- Knock knees
- Bowlegs
- Clubfoot
- Plantar warts
- Athletes’ foot
You may suspect your child has a foot issue if they start to complain of heel pain or other discomforts.
Are foot disorders in children preventable?
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.
How are child foot disorders treated?
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:
- Bracing
- Casting
- Physical therapy
- Topical or oral medications for infections
- Minor surgery for warts or other growths
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.
