Healthy feet and proper foot development are important for your growing child's mobility and overall well-being. Feet not only affect your child’s balance and coordination, they impact posture, too. That’s why early detection and treatment of foot problems is crucial for preventing long-term issues that can interfere with your child’s active life.
The experienced podiatric team at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates understands the unique concerns parents face when it comes to pediatric foot health. Knowing how to spot potential issues and when to seek professional care can make all the difference in keeping your child's feet healthy and helping your child stay active. Here, our podiatrist, Dr. Benjamin Weaver, discusses common foot problems in children and the steps to take to address them.
When Flat Feet Are a Concern
Flat feet are very common in toddlers and young children. Usually, it’s no cause for concern. The arch of a child’s foot usually develops over time when the tendons and muscles strengthen. However, if your child's feet remain flat and your child complains of pain or leg fatigue, you should see a podiatrist.
There are two classifications of flat feet:
- Flexible flat feet have an arch that’s visible when your child sits or stands on their tiptoes, but it disappears when they stand normally. Generally, this condition doesn’t cause problems and often resolves on its own.
- Rigid flat feet don’t have an arch, regardless of whether your child is sitting or standing. This type of flat feet can cause pain and problems with physical activity.
Dr. Weaver may recommend a variety of treatment options, including orthotics, special shoes, or stretching exercises to alleviate symptoms associated with flat feet. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to improve foot function and relieve pain. Early intervention can help prevent complications and keep your child active.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are small growths that generally appear on the heels or other weight-bearing areas of the feet. Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that enters the body through tiny cuts or scrapes, these warts can be painful and make walking uncomfortable. Anyone can develop a plantar wart, but they’re especially common in children, particularly those who use public pools, showers, and locker rooms, as the virus is easily spread from person to person.
Many plantar warts go away on their own in time. However, if your child's wart is painful, spreading, or interfering with activities, it’s important to see a podiatrist. Podiatrists can offer several treatment options, such as topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing), or minor surgery to remove the wart. Getting a quick diagnosis and treatment can help provide relief and prevent the wart from growing or multiplying.
To help prevent plantar warts, you can encourage your child to:
- Wear shoes in public places. To protect your child’s feet from direct contact with surfaces where HPV thrives, it’s important to never go barefoot in public places. Flip-flops and waterproof sandals can go a long way to helping your child avoid picking up the HPV virus that causes plantar warts.
- Cover a cut or scrape. If your child has a cut or scrape on their feet, be sure to cover it with a band-aid or adhesive bandage. The HPV virus enters the body through cracks in the skin, so keeping any cut or abrasion protected will help prevent getting a plantar wart.
- Avoid touching warts. Tell your child not to pick or scratch at a plantar wart, as it’s possible to spread the virus to other parts of their body.
Many plantar warts eventually go away on their own. However, if your child's wart is painful, spreading, or interfering with activities, make an appointment at our foot care clinic. Dr. Weaver can offer several treatment options, such as topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing), or minor surgery to remove the wart. Swift intervention can help provide relief and prevent the wart from growing or multiplying.
In-Toeing
In-toeing, also known as walking "pigeon-toed," is a condition where a child's feet turn inward instead of pointing straight ahead when walking or running. It's a common concern among parents but often resolves on its own as the child grows.
Most children with in-toeing don't experience pain or difficulty with mobility, and the condition generally self-corrects before school age. However, if your child's in-toeing is severe, causing frequent tripping, or isn’t improving over time, you should consult with a podiatrist. They can assess whether interventions like stretching exercises, special shoes, or orthotic devices could help align your child's feet and improve their gait.
In rare cases, in-toeing persists into adolescence and continues to cause gait problems or discomfort. Our Central Kansas foot doctor may recommend surgical correction if non-invasive treatments prove ineffective. Early evaluation allows for prompt identification of underlying issues and appropriate treatment planning.
Contact Us for Your Child’s Foot Problems
If your child complains of consistent foot or ankle pain or is walking awkwardly, make an appointment with our Central Kansas foot clinic. Dr. Weaver can diagnose the issue and recommend the most effective treatment plan to help keep your child's feet healthy. With proper attention and care, most pediatric foot concerns can be successfully managed. If you have questions or notice any troubling symptoms, contact us right away. Read our testimonials to learn how we’ve helped other children with foot problems.