Children can be just as susceptible to foot diseases and injuries as adults are. Because they are more active by nature, children are more at risk of acquiring trauma-related foot injuries; and because they are still growing, they are susceptible to certain foot conditions related to normal growth.

These foot conditions can be minor issues that resolve on their own, or they may be chronic or painful conditions that require medical treatment. If your child is experiencing pain, deformity, or injury to one or both feet, it is in your best interest to have the child see a skilled podiatrist right away.

Foot Problems Common to Children

Kids are prone to several types of foot conditions, including the following:

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner of the toenail grows into the flesh of the toe. It can result in pain, swelling, and redness. It frequently happens to children and teenagers due to tight-fitting shoes as they experience growth spurts.

Ingrown toenails can sometimes heal on their own, but your child may need to see a podiatrist to repair it properly. An ingrown toenail may lead to an infection if not treated effectively.

Heel Pain

Children’s heel pain is often a result of rapid growth. During growth spurts, children commonly experience inflammation of the growth plates in the heel bone. This happens because extra stress is being placed on the heel bone as it grows with the calf muscle and the Achilles tendon.

Pediatric heel pain is often treatable with over-the-counter medication. Nevertheless, seeking podiatric care can prevent foot damage and chronic pain during growth spurts.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are skin lesions that develop on the sole of the foot. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are characterized by tiny black dots within the wart.

A plantar wart can cause pain and discomfort when walking or by merely bearing weight on the foot. Because this is an invasive type of wart, it will not respond to over-the-counter treatments – it must be professionally removed by an experienced podiatrist who knows how to avoid causing damage to your child’s nerves and other structures in the foot.

This type of foot wart is more prevalent in children and adolescents than in adults. The virus that causes it can spread through physical contact or by sharing personal items like towels. If you see bleeding lesions or multiplying warts on your child’s foot, immediately take your child to your podiatrist for proper treatment.

Flat Feet

This is a condition in which the arch of the foot is flat rather than curved normally. If your child has flatfoot, this makes their entire foot touch the ground when they are standing and walking. It is common in children mostly due to musculoskeletal changes during growth.

If your child’s flatfoot causes pain or difficulty in walking, consult with a pediatric foot doctor to find out about the available treatment options. Some of the treatments that can address flatfoot are:

• Custom orthotics or arch support
• Supportive shoes
• Physical therapy

Pediatric Foot Treatments in Cincinnati

Don’t let your child suffer from a foot condition – seek pediatric foot care here at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care. Our podiatrists are well-trained in providing care for both pediatric and adult foot conditions.

We have 18 convenient locations across the Cincinnati area. Call our office nearest you to make an appointment, or you may request an appointment via our online form now. We look forward to helping your child get back in step!