Pediatric Foot Care: Why Early Intervention Matters
At European Foot and Ankle Clinic, our experienced pediatric foot doctors believe that early foot evaluations are a vital part of every child’s overall health. We provide specialized care for children of all ages using advanced diagnostic tools and modern treatment options to address a wide range of pediatric foot and ankle conditions.
Why Pediatric Foot Exams Are Important
Your child’s feet are the foundation for a lifetime of movement. Starting foot care early helps to identify and treat issues before they affect posture, gait, or confidence. Left untreated, childhood foot problems can lead to discomfort, activity avoidance, or even emotional impacts due to appearance or mobility issues.
We recommend incorporating a foot and gait exam into your child’s yearly wellness checkups, especially if you notice issues such as tripping, abnormal foot positioning, or complaints of pain.
Common Pediatric Foot Conditions We Treat
Our expert team of pediatric podiatrists treats a full spectrum of conditions, including:
- Plantar warts (verrucae)
- Fungal toenails (onychomycosis)
- In-toeing and out-toeing
- Flat feet
- Pediatric heel pain
- Ingrown toenails
- Metatarsus adductus
- Tibial torsion
- Equinovarus
- Sports-related injuries
Understanding Foot Development in Children
Children’s feet are soft and pliable, which makes them susceptible to deformities if not properly supported. A child’s foot grows rapidly in the first year, reaching nearly half of its adult size. During this time, improper footwear or abnormal pressure can have long-lasting effects.
We recommend:
- Providing supportive shoes, not soft slippers, for new walkers
- Letting babies lie uncovered for natural kicking and foot motion
- Checking feet regularly and discussing concerns with your pediatrician or podiatrist
- Never using tight coverings that restrict movement
Flat Feet in Children
Many children have flat feet, or pronated feet, when standing. This condition is common and typically improves with age. However, persistent flat feet may require orthotics or support to encourage proper foot alignment and reduce strain. Early intervention can prevent complications in adolescence and adulthood.
Heel Pain in Kids: A Sign to Take Seriously
Pediatric heel pain is not something to ignore. One of the most common causes is calcaneal apophysitis (Sever’s disease)—inflammation of the heel’s growth plate due to repetitive stress. Other causes include:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Stress fractures
If your child complains of heel pain during activity or after rest, it’s time to visit a foot doctor for an evaluation and imaging if necessary.
In-Toeing and Out-Toeing
Many toddlers walk with their toes turned in or out. This may be due to tibial torsion (twisting of the shin bone) or femoral anteversion (twisting of the thigh bone). In most cases, this resolves naturally, but persistent or worsening symptoms may require treatment. Family history and fetal position during pregnancy can both play a role.
Fungal Toenails and Plantar Warts in Children
Kids are more prone to plantar warts due to barefoot activity and frequent scrapes. Warts can feel like a stone under the foot and may become painful. We offer safe, conservative wart removal treatments.
Fungal toenails may result from trauma or chronic conditions that deform the nail. Before treatment, we assess the underlying cause and use kid-friendly antifungal therapies when needed.
Metatarsus Adductus
This condition causes the front of the foot to curve inward. While many cases resolve on their own, more severe or rigid cases may benefit from early treatment by a podiatrist. We evaluate each case carefully and only recommend surgical intervention in rare, severe cases.
When to See a Pediatric Foot Doctor
Schedule an evaluation if your child:
- Walks awkwardly or frequently trips
- Complains of pain in the heel, toes, or arch
- Has unusual foot shape or rotation
- Develops frequent ingrown nails or skin infections
Expert Pediatric Foot Care You Can Trust
At European Foot and Ankle Clinic, we understand that children need specialized, compassionate care to support their growth and development. From heel pain to gait issues, our pediatric foot doctors are here to guide you with expert diagnostics and gentle, effective treatment options.
Schedule a pediatric foot evaluation today and support your child’s journey with healthy, pain-free feet.