Pediatric Foot Care

How can I tell if my child needs pediatric foot care?

Most children experience foot and ankle pain occasionally. Kids are very active, and their bodies constantly grow, so minor injuries and ailments are normal. Don’t wait to contact Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists if your child:

• Complains of foot, heel, or ankle pain
• Limps
• Develops plantar warts or other growths on the soles of their feet
• Experiences frequent ingrown toenails
• Experiences foot tingling and/or numbness

Similarly, seek professional help if your child falls frequently or has poor balance. 

What types of problems does pediatric foot care treat?

The Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists team uses pediatric foot care to treat various foot and ankle problems, including:

Ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when your child’s nail grows into the soft skin of their nail bed instead of away from their toe. Even though ingrown nails typically aren’t serious, they increase your child’s risk of infection. 

Plantar warts

Plantar warts are small, painful growths that form on weight-bearing areas like the heels and balls of the feet. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Treatment typically involves cryotherapy (freezing) or prescription peeling medication. 

Flat feet

All children are born with flat feet, but the arches typically form by age 6. Sometimes, the arches never form, resulting in flat feet. This structural abnormality increases the risk of foot and leg pain and difficulty walking.

Heel pain

Heel pain commonly affects athletic children and teens. Sports like soccer and basketball place pressure on the bones and soft tissues in the feet, increasing the risk of inflammation and general wear-and-tear.

What does a pediatric foot care appointment involve?

The Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists team tailors pediatric foot care to your child’s needs.

First, they review your child’s medical records and ask about their symptoms, including when they first started and if they’re worse during specific activities, like playing sports or wearing certain shoes. 

Next, your child’s provider completes a podiatry exam. They look at their lower legs, ankles, feet, and toes, checking for bruising, swelling, and redness. They gently press on your child’s foot to pinpoint sensitive spots and order diagnostic imaging to look at the bones, joints, and soft tissues in your child’s feet.

After making a diagnosis, the team develops a personalized treatment plan. 

Call the nearest Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists office today to schedule pediatric foot care for your child, or book an appointment online.