If you’ve got kids, you’ve got plenty to watch for and plenty more to plan, so some occasional foot or ankle issues might not seem pressing. After all, if it’s not an emergency, children might just “grow out of it” or “walk it off,” right?
Nope!
While some foot and ankle issues won’t limit kids much at the onset, they can affect their growth well into adulthood, leading to more intractable problems later on. As parents, knowing what to look for can be challenging, but West Hartford Podiatry Associates is here to help! Read on to learn what to watch for, courtesy of our expert team.
Flat Arches Are Fine, Right…?
It depends! Many toddlers have flat feet that develop arches naturally over time (flexible flatfoot). This is usually normal and painless. However, be mindful if:
- The flatness seems excessive or doesn’t improve with age.
- Your child complains of foot, ankle, or leg pain/fatigue.
- The foot appears stiff, not forming an arch even when non-weight-bearing (rigid flatfoot).
NOTE: Persistent or painful flat feet warrant a podiatric evaluation!
Is Intoeing an Issue…?
Intoeing, or “pigeon toes,” is when feet turn inward during walking. It often originates from the foot, lower leg (tibia), or hip. While many children outgrow intoeing without intervention, it’s wise to seek an evaluation if it’s:
- Severe
- Causes frequent tripping
- Seems to affect only one leg
- Persists significantly past early childhood (especially ages 8-10).
Could It Be…Sever’s Disease?
If your active child or teen (typically ages 8-14) complains of pain at the back of the heel, especially during or after sports, it could be Sever’s Disease.
- This isn’t a true “disease” but rather inflammation of the heel bone’s growth plate (calcaneal apophysitis), common during growth spurts due to stress from activity.
Don’t dismiss activity-related heel pain as just “growing pains.” There’s no such thing!
What About Plantar Warts?
Caused by HPV, these rough growths on the soles (often with tiny black dots) are common from walking barefoot in shared damp areas (pools, locker rooms).
- Look for complaints of stepping on a “pebble,” and be cautious of direct contact! Plantar warts are both contagious and prone to recurrence.
The Takeaway
Recognizing potential problems early allows for timely intervention with simpler, conservative measures, so don’t delay! Make your appointment today and move on to the next family hurdle, whatever it might be.
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.