Tiny Feet, Big Concerns: Navigating Pediatric Foot & Ankle Complications

Little feet take giant leaps, but sometimes, those leaps are hindered by growing pains and developmental challenges. Recognizing and addressing common pediatric foot and ankle complications can ensure your child's journey toward healthy, active feet is smooth and swift.

The team at PodiatryCare, P.C., and the Heel Pain Center are here to help. As a first step in the right direction, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you better understand common concerns that active kids might face.

Toe Walking

There are multiple issues to watch for when it comes to the toes, but persistent toe walking (after 18 months) warrants a closer look than most. Causes range from developmental delays to neurological conditions. Consult your podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan, which may include stretching exercises, bracing, or physical therapy.

Pigeon Toes (In-toeing)

When ankles and feet turn inward, it's called in-toeing or pigeon toes. In most cases, this naturally corrects itself as children grow. However, persistent in-toeing after age four can affect balance and gait. Podiatrists can assess the severity and recommend exercises or specialized footwear to guide proper alignment.

Flat Feet

Flat arches are common in young children, and they can disappear as muscles strengthen. However, if flat feet persist into adolescence or cause pain, it's not normal, so you should consult a podiatrist. An expert DPM can assess the need for supportive shoes, orthotics, or exercises to improve arch development and prevent future problems.

Pediatric Heel Pain

Growing pains are expected, but persistent heel pain in children can indicate underlying issues like Sever's syndrome (growth plate inflammation) or Osgood-Schlatter disease (shinbone irritation). Podiatrists can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment, including rest, ice, stretching, supportive footwear, or more modern treatment methods like Shockwave Therapy.

When it comes to the painful complications above, don’t let your kids find out the hard way! Here at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we specialize in treating patients of all ages for various foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.