The Differences Between Geriatric and Pediatric Foot Care

Foot health is a top priority, and it should be kept moving at every stage of life. However, the specific needs and challenges of foot care vary significantly between children and older adults. In this blog post, we at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center will explore the key differences and similarities between pediatric and geriatric foot care, highlighting the unique concerns and treatment approaches for both age groups.

Pediatric Foot Care

Children's feet are constantly growing and developing, which makes them susceptible to unique foot problems:

  • Flat feet: This condition occurs when the arch of the foot does not develop properly.

  • In-toeing or out-toeing: These are walking patterns where the feet turn inward or outward.

  • Sever's disease: Heel pain in growing children caused by inflammation of the growth plate.

  • Ingrown toenails: These occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin.

Geriatric Foot Care

While children may experience temporary issues that are resolved by puberty, seniors face more permanent conditions, especially those caused by chronic diseases such as diabetes, that require long-term specialized management.

PubMed states that one-third of old people have at least one-foot problem. These problems include diabetic complications such as ulcers, arthritis (which affects over 50 million people in the US alone, according to the CDC), and fractures, often resulting in falls due to a decrease in balance and bone strength.

Similarities Between Pediatric and Geriatric Foot Care

While there are distinct differences between pediatric and geriatric foot care, the need for specialized care for these demographics cannot be understated.

Regular foot exams are imperative for children and older adults to not only stay on top of chronic problems, but to also prevent them from worsening.

Proper footwear can also make or break these groups. Narrow, loose, or unsupportive shoes can cause or exacerbate improper growth in children or pain in seniors.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a diverse variety of 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 eager to serve 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.

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