You don't have to wait until your child is older to start caring for their feet and to see a foot doctor at regular intervals. Dr. Larry Goldstein and the team at Warner Robins Foot and Ankle in Warner Robins, GA, are familiar with common foot issues in young children and teens and can help resolve pediatric foot and ankle problems before they have a chance to progress.
The Importance of Pediatric Foot Care
Many of the foot problems that adults struggle with first started when they were children. As the bones, tissues, and muscles of the feet develop, it becomes more of a challenge to correct deformities. Also, if a child has increasing foot pain, it can cause a reduction and disinterest in physical activity which could lead to childhood obesity over time. Children with foot and ankle problems could also begin to walk differently to compensate for discomfort in their feet.
Common Foot Conditions in Children
Children can experience some of the same foot problems that adults do and they could be caused by genetics, environment, or daily activities. These are some of the most common pediatric foot and ankle problems that can be treated by our Warner Robins, GA, podiatrist:
- Flat feet or fallen arches.
- Ankle or foot fractures and sprains that occur when playing team sports.
- “Pigeon” toes (toes point inward) and “duck feet” (toes point outward).
- Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that develops when the child walks around barefoot at public showers, restrooms, gyms, and swimming pools.
- Plantar warts, which are growths on the bottom of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus HPV, can be transmitted from person to person or by exposure to public environments.
Treating Young Feet
Because the bones and tissues of a child’s feet are still growing and forming, they can be more readily adjusted and repaired with non-invasive therapies like bracing or casting, physical therapy, heat packs, and orthotic inserts.
See a Pediatric Foot Doctor
In addition to taking your child for regular well visits, you should also schedule time to see a podiatrist who specializes in foot care for children. Dr. Larry Goldstein and his team at Warner Robins Foot and Ankle in Warner Robins, GA, can help. Call (478) 328-2008 today to set an appointment for pediatric foot and ankle problems.