Foot and ankle problems don't just affect adults. Children also suffer from a variety of ailments that make walking and standing painful or difficult. Fortunately, your Camp Springs, Silver Spring, Kensington and Olney, MD, podiatrists, Drs. Marc Goldberg, Michael Frank, and Adam Lowy offer pediatric foot care services and treatments.
How foot and ankle problems affect your child
Rapid growth is common during childhood and can increase your child's risk of developing a foot condition. Kid's feet are more flexible than yours which may also be a factor in injuries and foot conditions.
Do your child's toes turn in or out when he or she walks? Although these issues often go away on their own by age two or three, they can pose a problem if they continue much longer in some cases. During a visit to the Olney podiatry office, your child's foot doctor can determine why the problem is occurring and recommend treatment strategies.
Since children are often barefoot, they may be more likely to experience foot injuries or develop athlete's feet or plantar warts on the bottoms of the feet. Treating these issues will eliminate your child's pain and make walking much more comfortable.
Injuries may also be a problem if your child plays sports, particularly if he or she doesn't wear supportive shoes when playing or wears shoes that are too small or tight. In addition to treating sports-related injuries, your child's podiatrist can also offer recommendations for shoes.
Orthotics may be helpful if your child is prone to injuries, or has flat feet, high arches, or a structural foot imbalance. The prescription shoe inserts keep your child's feet properly aligned, limit excess foot motion, cushion the foot, and offer arch support.
Podiatrists also treat congenital abnormalities, such as clubfoot, or deformities that affect the feet or ankles.
It's a good idea to make an appointment for your child if:
- You notice any abnormalities, including unusual foot or toe position.
- Your child complains of foot, ankle, or leg pain.
- You notice that your child is limping.
- Your son or daughter has an ingrown toenail or sore that doesn't heal.
- Your child's gait looks abnormal, or he or she has trouble maintaining balance.
- Your child has a wart on the bottom of his or her foot or toenail fungus that doesn't get better after home treatment.
Could pediatric foot care treatments help your son or daughter? Schedule an appointment with Drs. Goldberg, Frank, or Lowy by calling (301) 924-5044 for the Olney, MD, office, (301) 868-7670 for the Camp Springs office, (301) 439-0300 for the Silver Spring office, or (301) 942-8110 for the Kensington office.