Children’s Feet

It is important to nurture our children’s feet, as most of the issues we see in adults have stemmed from issues as children.

Children’s Feet

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Overview

From the moment our babies are born, we parents only want the best for our children. Their health is always at the top of our minds, from their heads down to their toes.

It’s important as parents to recognize that children’s feet are different than adult’s feet. When children are young, their bones are still very soft and therefore, are more easily affected by abnormal pressure and forces. Teenagers’ feet are also different as they are still growing and physically developing.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

While you might not think it’s the case, many of the foot issues our board-certified podiatrists see in adults have stemmed from issues from when the patients were children. As such, the younger a child is assessed and diagnosed for any foot or lower limb issues, the easier it is to treat and manage the issue. Early diagnosis is the key to preventing long-term issues in your child, and we are here to help!

Foot & Lower Limb Issues

Take time to evaluate your child and look out for any of the following:

Flat feet/fallen arches/rolled-in feet
In-toeing (pigeon-toed)
Out-toeing
Walking on tiptoes
Slow or delayed to begin walking
Knock-kneed
Bowlegged
Difference in leg length
Clumsiness or poor balance (more than the average teetering and toddling while learning how to walk)
Growing pains
Limping
Low muscle tone
Oddly shaped toes (curly or clawed)
Ingrown toenails
Bunions or other deformities
Callous/corns
Warts

If your child falls into any of the aforementioned categories, it’s best to err on the side of caution and bring them to see a board-certified podiatrist.

Walking

Natural Progression

When your child begins to walk, they will generally hold their arms high and their feet out wide for balance. As his/her balance improves, their feet should gradually close in and their arms should drop to their side.

Abnormal Walking Patterns

Children may develop abnormal walking patterns such as in-toeing (pigeon toed), out-toeing, or tip-toe walking. If you begin to notice an abnormal pattern or your children are knock-kneed or bowlegged, have your child’s feet assessed by one of our board-certified podiatrists. Many adult foot and lower limb issues begin in childhood and are therefore more easily managed if they are addressed sooner rather than later.

Timing of First Steps

One of the most important milestones in your child’s life is their first steps. All children develop at their own pace and will all commence walking at different ages. Most children will take their first steps between nine and twelve months. For some children, this may take a little longer. If at 15-16 months your child is not yet walking, it is recommended that they are assessed. Our board-certified podiatrists can help evaluate your child!

Orthotics

If your child has poor posture, is bowlegged, or knock-kneed, they may benefit from prescription shoe inserts, more commonly known as orthotics.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are medical devices that are used to support the feet, treat foot deformities, and rectify abnormal foot movement. They are the best non-invasive solution to many foot problems. If a foot ailment is interfering with health and feet function, customized prescription orthotics can help rectify the problem.

How can Orthotics help my child?

Orthotics can help to restore correct foot and ankle posture during the critical development years. These devices can also help correct abnormal flat feet or in-toeing problems. The best part about prescription or custom orthotics is they are just that – custom! Our office can work with you to get prescription orthotics that directly support your child’s feet and arches to ensure that everything is aligned properly.

Conclusion - Care You Can Trust

We know that entrusting your child to any doctor takes a large amount of trust. Please know that our podiatrists are board-certified and committed to helping every patient have optimal foot health – no matter their age.

If you’re concerned at all about your child’s foot, ankle, or lower leg health, call us today to make an appointment!

FAQs - Children's Feet

What are common foot problems in children?

Our board-certified podiatrists often treat children for flatfeet, plantar warts (especially for those children in sports), gait problems, and ingrown toenails. If your child is complaining of any pain in their feet or lower limbs, make an appointment today. We can help!

When should I worry if my child hasn’t started walking?

Each child develops at their own pace! First steps can vary greatly from child to child. If your child is not walking yet when they are 15-16 months old, bring them in for an assessment from one of our board-certified podiatrists.

What are signs that my child may have foot or lower limb problems?

If you watch your child and see that they are walking on their tiptoes or are pigeon-toed, bowlegged, or knock-kneed, they may benefit from seeing a board-certified podiatrist. If your child loses their balance a lot, is abnormally clumsy, limps, or complains of pain in their feet or legs, make an appointment at one of our clinics. These may be symptoms of a larger problem that needs to be addressed.