The Role of a Podiatrist in Treating Children’s Foot Problems
- posted: Nov. 18, 2024
Children can develop foot problems just like adults. Common causes of pediatric foot problems include injuries, genetics, and developmental issues. Podiatrists play an important role in helping kids enjoy healthier feet by ensuring injuries heal properly and identifying and treating developmental problems early on. Dr. Jesse Anderson at AAL Podiatry Associates is an experienced pediatric podiatrist in Suffolk, VA, and Norfolk, VA, and can develop a custom foot treatment plan tailored to your child's needs.
Pediatric Foot Problems
Several different types of foot problems can affect kids. Common issues include flat feet, toe walking, sports injuries, and both in-toeing and out-toeing. The skilled pediatric podiatrists at our offices in Suffolk, VA, and Norfolk, VA, diagnose and treat all types of children’s foot conditions and problems.
Flat Feet: Babies are born with flat feet and usually begin developing arches after walking. Some kids develop arches later, while others may never develop much of an arch. A potential issue with flat feet is that the ankles tend to turn inward, which could lead to discomfort, pain, or an abnormal gait. Custom shoe inserts from a podiatrist can help provide arch support and correct an abnormal gait.
Toe Walking: Toe walking is when children walk up on their toes or the balls of their feet. Many children walk on their toes or balls of their feet when first learning to walk but stop doing so as they get older. Continuing to toe walk after age two could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as a shortened Achilles tendon or a neuromuscular disorder. A podiatrist can identify the underlying cause and determine if treatment is needed.
Sports Injuries: Children who participate in sports, dance, and other physical activities are at risk for sustaining a foot or ankle injury, such as foot tendonitis or a sprained ankle. Injuries that do not heal properly can lead to long-term problems, such as chronic pain or instability. The role of the podiatrist is to ensure injuries heal properly.
In-toeing and out-toeing: In normal feet, the toes generally point straight ahead. In-toeing occurs when the toes point slightly inward, sometimes referred to as being pigeon-toed. Out-toeing occurs when the toes point outward, sometimes known as “duck feet.” Both can be problematic if they increase the risk of injury or contribute to an abnormal gait. In-toeing and out-toeing do not necessarily require treatment, but the podiatrist can monitor the condition and recommend treatment if needed.
Pediatric Orthotics
Custom pediatric orthotics are an effective treatment method for correcting many types of foot problems in children. The orthotics are custom-made to fit your child’s unique foot structure perfectly. Orthotics help by providing additional cushioning, support, and stability. They also align the feet properly and help correct an abnormal gait. Additionally, custom orthotics for kids can contribute to healthy foot development. Dr. Anderson can determine if pediatric orthotics would benefit your child.
If your child is dealing with foot problems, a podiatrist can play an important role in improving your child’s foot health. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Anderson at AAL Podiatry Associates, the knowledgeable pediatric podiatrist in Suffolk, VA, and Norfolk, VA, by calling (757) 539-2098 for the Suffolk office or (757) 625-2962 for Norfolk.
- posted: Nov. 18, 2024
Children can develop foot problems just like adults. Common causes of pediatric foot problems include injuries, genetics, and developmental issues. Podiatrists play an important role in helping kids enjoy healthier feet by ensuring injuries heal properly and identifying and treating developmental problems early on. Dr. Jesse Anderson at AAL Podiatry Associates is an experienced pediatric podiatrist in Suffolk, VA, and Norfolk, VA, and can develop a custom foot treatment plan tailored to your child's needs.
Pediatric Foot Problems
Several different types of foot problems can affect kids. Common issues include flat feet, toe walking, sports injuries, and both in-toeing and out-toeing. The skilled pediatric podiatrists at our offices in Suffolk, VA, and Norfolk, VA, diagnose and treat all types of children’s foot conditions and problems.
Flat Feet: Babies are born with flat feet and usually begin developing arches after walking. Some kids develop arches later, while others may never develop much of an arch. A potential issue with flat feet is that the ankles tend to turn inward, which could lead to discomfort, pain, or an abnormal gait. Custom shoe inserts from a podiatrist can help provide arch support and correct an abnormal gait.
Toe Walking: Toe walking is when children walk up on their toes or the balls of their feet. Many children walk on their toes or balls of their feet when first learning to walk but stop doing so as they get older. Continuing to toe walk after age two could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as a shortened Achilles tendon or a neuromuscular disorder. A podiatrist can identify the underlying cause and determine if treatment is needed.
Sports Injuries: Children who participate in sports, dance, and other physical activities are at risk for sustaining a foot or ankle injury, such as foot tendonitis or a sprained ankle. Injuries that do not heal properly can lead to long-term problems, such as chronic pain or instability. The role of the podiatrist is to ensure injuries heal properly.
In-toeing and out-toeing: In normal feet, the toes generally point straight ahead. In-toeing occurs when the toes point slightly inward, sometimes referred to as being pigeon-toed. Out-toeing occurs when the toes point outward, sometimes known as “duck feet.” Both can be problematic if they increase the risk of injury or contribute to an abnormal gait. In-toeing and out-toeing do not necessarily require treatment, but the podiatrist can monitor the condition and recommend treatment if needed.
Pediatric Orthotics
Custom pediatric orthotics are an effective treatment method for correcting many types of foot problems in children. The orthotics are custom-made to fit your child’s unique foot structure perfectly. Orthotics help by providing additional cushioning, support, and stability. They also align the feet properly and help correct an abnormal gait. Additionally, custom orthotics for kids can contribute to healthy foot development. Dr. Anderson can determine if pediatric orthotics would benefit your child.
If your child is dealing with foot problems, a podiatrist can play an important role in improving your child’s foot health. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Anderson at AAL Podiatry Associates, the knowledgeable pediatric podiatrist in Suffolk, VA, and Norfolk, VA, by calling (757) 539-2098 for the Suffolk office or (757) 625-2962 for Norfolk.
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