Children are bundles of energy, but their boundless activity comes at the risk of pediatric foot and ankle emergencies. While some minor bumps and bruises are part of growing up, knowing when to seek emergency podiatric care for your child can make a crucial difference in their recovery and long-term foot health. With that in mind, West Hartford Podiatry Associates has put together a blog on the topic. Read on to learn what counts as a foot and ankle emergency and why a podiatrist is your best bet for relief!

Podiatry for Urgent Pediatric Issues

While a general emergency room (ER) is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, a podiatrist offers specialized expertise in children’s foot and ankle care. Choosing a podiatrist for a foot-related emergency means you’ll have access to:

  • Specialized Expertise: Podiatrists have extensive training in the unique anatomy and development of children’s feet and ankles. They are well-versed in problems that are specific to growing feet, such as growth plate issues or developmental concerns.
  • Faster Diagnosis and Treatment: A podiatrist can quickly and accurately diagnose foot and ankle problems, leading to more targeted and effective treatment.
  • Minimally Invasive Techniques: Podiatrists often utilize minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, promoting faster healing and less discomfort for your child.
  • Focus on Long-Term Foot Health: A podiatrist doesn’t just treat the immediate injury; they consider the long-term implications for your child’s growth and development.

It’s also important to note that podiatry offices are often designed to be more welcoming and less intimidating for children than busy, chaotic ERs. This can significantly reduce anxiety and make the experience more positive. Wait times may also be significantly reduced.

Podiatric Emergencies in Children: What to Watch For

Here are some situations that warrant immediate attention from a podiatrist:

  • Suspected Fracture: Any significant injury resulting in severe pain, swelling, bruising, or inability to bear weight should be evaluated immediately to rule out a fracture. Fractures in children often involve the growth plates, which require specialized care to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term growth problems.
  • Deep Puncture Wounds: Stepping on a nail, glass, or other sharp object can lead to deep puncture wounds that are prone to infection.
  • Severe Ankle Sprains: While mild sprains can often be managed at home, severe sprains with significant swelling, bruising, and inability to bear weight require professional evaluation.
  • Ingrown Toenails with Infection: An ingrown toenail that becomes red, swollen, painful, and oozing pus needs prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
  • Foreign Body: If your child has stepped on something like glass or metal, and you are not entirely sure that all of it has been removed.

Don’t hesitate to seek immediate attention for any foot injury! The sudden onset of pain shouldn’t be ignored, and a little early action goes a long, long way.

At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Dr. Marc Lederman and Dr. Kurt Rode treat ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, neuromas, and more. If you’re in need of emergency services, we can treat you faster than an urgent care clinic! Contact us online for your foot and ankle needs, or call (860)236-2564. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.