Pediatric Foot and Ankle Care in Phoenix, AZ

Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers

Podiatrist located in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa & Phoenix, AZ

Pediatric foot care is important to all parents. Our team of infant podiatrists at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers specializes in the care and treatment of children’s podiatric needs. Our staff of pediatric foot specialists offers only the most advanced and effective treatments to guarantee you and your child can be confident with the results. To find out more about pediatric foot developments and proper foot care for your child, call the office or schedule an appointment online.

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What Does a Pediatric Podiatrist Do?

Children’s foot podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions in children. Their expertise covers a wide range of pediatric foot disorders, from ingrown toenails and flat feet to pediatric foot conditions like congenital deformities and gait abnormalities.

Pediatric foot and ankle specialists play a crucial role in ensuring proper foot development and function, offering both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options tailored to the unique needs of young patients.

What Problems Can Child’s Feet Have?

Common pediatric foot problems include:

Warts. A virus causes warts and can be painful and appear as small growths on the foot’s skin.
Athlete’s Foot. It is a fungal infection that leads to itchy, cracked, and flaky skin, especially between the toes.
Ingrown Toenails. An ingrown nail causes pain, redness, and sometimes infection when it grows into the skin.
Walking Abnormalities. It includes various conditions like in-toeing or out-toeing. It affects gait and possibly causes discomfort.
Sever’s Disease. It is a heel pain condition related to growth spurts. It affects the growth plate in the heel.
Bunions. The big toe has a bony bump at the base. It leads to pain and misalignment of the toe.
Plantar Fasciitis. It is the result of the inflammation of the plantar fascia, and causes heel pain, especially noticeable in the morning.
Sprains and Strains. They are injuries to ligaments (sprains) or muscles (strains) around the foot and ankle. They typically result in pain and swelling.
Skin Conditions. They include eczema and psoriasis, which can cause itchy, dry, and cracked skin on the feet.
Gait Abnormalities. Irregular walking patterns that can include limping, toe walking, or a reluctance to walk indicate potential issues.

Causes of Pediatric Foot Pain and Problems

Let’s look at the causes of problems that result in the need for pediatric foot care:

Genetics. There are inherited conditions like flat feet or high arches that can predispose children to foot pain and problems.
Improper Footwear. Shoes that don’t fit properly can cause issues such as bunions, ingrown toenails, and pressure points.
Pediatric foot injuries. Accidents or falls can lead to acute problems like pediatric foot fractures, sprains, and cuts.
Overuse. Repeated stress from sports or physical activities can result in overuse injuries, including stress fractures and tendonitis.
Obesity. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the feet, leading to pain and structural issues.
Poor Posture. Improper alignment when standing or walking can cause foot pain and contribute to gait abnormalities.
Infections. Fungal, viral, or bacterial infections can cause conditions like athlete’s foot or warts.
Growth Spurts. Rapid growth can lead to conditions like Sever’s disease, resulting from stress on growing bones and tissues.

What are the Most Common Childhood Deformities of the Foot?

Common pediatric foot deformities include:

Flat Feet. Many children have a low arch or no arch at all, which may or may not lead to pain or discomfort.
Clubfoot. It is a condition where the foot is twisted out of shape or position. It is noticeable at birth and requires early treatment.
Metatarsus Adductus. The front half of the foot turns inward; it’s often noticed at birth and can resolve on its own or require treatment.
In toeing. It is also called “pigeon-toed,” this condition sees the feet turn inward when walking. It can improve with growth.
Tarsal Coalition. A congenital condition where two or more bones in the foot are fused, leading to pain and limited movement.

What is the Most Common Foot Deformity in Children?

The most common foot deformity in children is flat feet. While many children outgrow this condition, some may require intervention to relieve pain or improve function. For those who require intervention from a pediatric foot specialist, common treatment methods include orthotic devices to support the arch and improve foot function, as well as exercises to strengthen the foot muscles.

Pediatric Foot Care Treatments

At the dedicated Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers in Arizona, you have a range of tailored treatments available to receive pediatric foot care needs of children. We employ a child-centric approach to ensure that young patients receive the most effective and least invasive treatments possible.

Here’s how we can address various pediatric foot issues:

We offer custom-made orthotics (particularly beneficial for flat feet and in-toeing) to support the child’s foot structure, alleviate discomfort, and correct abnormal walking patterns.
Our specialized physical therapy programs strengthen foot and ankle muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall mobility. This approach is particularly beneficial for the correction of gait abnormalities.
We offer expert advice on selecting shoes that fit well and provide the necessary support for growing feet to prevent issues like bunions and ingrown toenails.
For severe deformities or injuries that do not respond to conservative treatments, our pediatric podiatrists are skilled in performing minimally invasive surgeries.
Our targeted therapies address the specific needs of the child in treating conditions such as warts, athlete’s foot, and Sever’s disease, ensuring effective relief and recovery.
We offer education on foot hygiene, injury prevention, and the importance of wearing suitable footwear.

How Long Does It Take to Treat Pediatric Foot Problems?

Ingrown Toenails: From a single visit to a few weeks.
Warts: From a few weeks to several months.
Athlete’s Foot: About 1-2 weeks
Flat Feet: Can be ongoing for several months to years.
Clubfoot: From after birth to 4-5 years
Metatarsus Adductus: May resolve on its own within the first year of life to a few months (if treatments are needed)
Intoeing: Often improves without treatment; monitoring may continue for several years.
Sever’s Disease: Typically lasts several weeks to months.
Tarsal Coalition: Treatment can take months to surgical intervention with a recovery period of several months.
Sprains and Strains: Can take from a few weeks to several months.

Does My Child Need a Podiatrist?

If your child is experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or any abnormalities in walking or foot structure, consulting our pediatric podiatrist is advisable. Early assessment and treatment can prevent minor issues from becoming serious problems and ensure healthy foot development.

Pediatric Foot Care Specialist Near Me in Arizona

Is your child experiencing foot pain or showing signs of a foot deformity? Don’t wait for the problem to go away. Come to our pediatric foot clinic today. Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and Phoenix, Arizona, specializes in the care and treatment of children’s podiatric needs.

Don’t forget. Your child’s feet deserve the best care, and we’re here to provide it. Contact us now to discover the comprehensive solutions we offer for all adult & pediatric foot & ankle care issues. Let us help your child walk, run, and play with confidence!

FAQs

What size is my toddler’s foot?

To determine your toddler’s foot size, measure their foot from the heel to the tip of the longest toe and consult a shoe size chart specific to children’s footwear. It’s essential to measure both feet, as they may differ in size, and choose shoes based on the larger foot.

How often should I check my child’s foot size?

Children’s feet grow quickly, so it’s recommended to check their foot size every 3 to 4 months. Regularly ensuring that their shoes fit well and provide adequate support is crucial for healthy foot development.

What are signs that my child might have a foot problem?

Signs your child may have a foot problem include pain, difficulty walking, limping, avoiding physical activities, visible foot abnormalities, frequent tripping, uneven shoe wear, and swelling or redness of the foot or ankle.