Children can develop foot conditions that either resolve on their own or are serious and need medical treatment. Fortunately, pediatric foot conditions in children can hardly go unnoticed. It is very easy to spot an abnormality with your child’s feet. Children with foot pain and other symptoms tend to complain about what they are feeling and let you know when something is not right.
Let’s talk about the most common pediatric foot conditions and how to identify them.
Heel Pain
Heel pain in pediatric patients can have many possible causes. Your child’s foot may hurt due to rapid growth, also known as Sever’s disease. There is a growth plate located in the back of the heel which can become inflamed due to rapid growth and exacerbated by physical activity. Sever’s disease accounts for most cases of heel pain in pediatric patients.
Children with a very active lifestyle can experience heel pain due to the hard and soft tissues being subjected to stress. Another possible cause of pediatric heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the toes to the heel bone. Other possible causes include Achilles tendinitis and heel fractures.
Juvenile Hallux Valgus
Pediatric patients, usually females, can develop a big bump at the base of the big toe. This is called a bunion and is usually inherited from the mother. It can form due to stress on the joint at the base of the big toe or the first metatarsophalangeal joint from ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes or flat feet.
The bunion can start to hurt and interfere with the child’s daily life. The deformity, too, can become bothersome, as it changes the way shoes fit and makes it difficult to find shoes that accommodate the problem.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are warts that develop on the bottom of the foot caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). When there are tiny openings in the skin, HPV can enter the foot. They thrive in warm, moist environments such as public bathrooms and swimming pools. A plantar wart can be identified by its distinct cauliflower-like appearance. Bearing weight on the foot with plantar warts can hurt and affect your child’s mobility.
Flat Foot
Flat feet are usually inherited and cause a person to never develop arches fully. You can identify flatfootedness by a lack of arch definition. If your child’s flatfootedness is causing pain, custom arch supports can help ease symptoms. Surgery is also possible if a flat foot is affecting your child’s quality of life.
Treatment for Children with Foot Pain and Other Conditions in Cincinnati, OH
Children with foot pain can become unhappy. As a parent, you want to make sure your child’s issue won’t affect their growth and development. Stop worrying and trust the podiatry experts at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care with your child’s care. We have extensive experience treating all manner of pediatric foot conditions. Our physicians are board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and are committed to providing your child and the rest of your family with the highest quality podiatry care.
To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists, call our clinic nearest you or use our convenient appointment request form.
