Pediatric foot issues: We can help

As your child is growing and developing, there is no better time than now to pay attention to potential foot issues. Early detection is critical with many medical conditions, so we recommend that parents act fast if their children complain of foot issues or if they notice their child becoming less active. Here at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center, our doctors are qualified to help with children’s feet, too. Don’t mistake growing pains for a serious foot and ankle condition.

How do I know if my child is having foot or ankle pain?

Depending on your child’s age or communication skills, you may either hear pain complaints directly or need to pay attention to signs of distress. Nonverbal signs of distress can include grimacing during simple tasks like putting on shoes or putting away toys. Ask directly about foot or ankle pain. It may help with communication.

What are the common pediatric foot conditions?

• Toe walking

• Warts

• Flat feet

• Pigeon toes

• Sports injuries

• Ingrown toenails

• Heel pain

• Sprains

What typically causes these conditions?

Causes can range from family history to foot hygiene. Warts, for example, can be prevented with proper foot hygiene. Improper toenail clipping or wearing shoes that are too small can cause ingrown toenails.

Are there treatments?

Yes. Depending on the diagnosis, our office will offer a personalized treatment plan. We are also here as a resource to help you prevent future foot conditions. We provide custom orthotics as a treatment option, as these devices are helpful for common childhood foot conditions.

Our board-certified team of foot and ankle doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has experience with addressing pediatric foot needs. The team includes Dr. Robert Marra, Dr. Thomas Johnson, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and Dr. Matthew Tschudy. We have two locations in Hartford County: 1379 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, and 1350 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.