Pediatric Foot and Ankle Podiatry

What Parents Should Know

A guide to common pediatric foot and ankle concerns and how we help.

Podiatry Care for Children and Teens

Our pediatric podiatrists have significant experience treating a variety of foot and ankle conditions that arise while children and teenagers are still growing and physically developing. Whether your child needs help with a one-time injury or has an ongoing issue, we can provide expert care while ensuring that your child feels comfortable and relaxed throughout the treatment process.

Pain in the feet or ankles can stem from a variety of possible causes that range from genetics to injuries. Common types of pain we treat in our pediatric patients include heel pain in children, shin splints, painful sports injuries, and pain caused by an abnormal gait.

Abnormal gait symptoms we commonly evaluate include flat feet, toe walking (walking on tiptoe), in-toeing (toes turn inward instead of pointing straight), out-toeing (toes turn outward instead of pointing straight), lifting the leg from the hip instead of the knee when walking, uneven weight bearing, limping or favoring one leg, frequent trips or falls, and pain while walking.

Ingrown toenails are another frequent concern. When the toenail cuts into the surrounding skin, your child may experience mild discomfort or pain depending on the severity of the condition. If an ingrown toenail is not treated properly, it can eventually lead to infection with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and possible pus or drainage.

If you have concerns about how your child is walking, growing, or moving, a consultation with one of our foot and ankle doctors can help identify the issue early and start the right treatment plan.

Our Approach to Pediatric Treatment

When you bring your child to our practice for treatment of pediatric foot pain, ankle pain, or even leg pain, we won’t just treat the symptoms. We will seek the underlying cause for your child’s pain and work toward a permanent solution whenever possible. This root-cause approach matters especially during childhood, when small issues can influence how the feet and ankles develop over time.

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts prescribed by your podiatrist and made specifically for your child. For children and teenagers, custom orthotics can help restore correct foot and ankle posture during the critical years of physical development. They are often used early in development to help address abnormal flat feet and in-toeing problems, which can prevent complications in the future.

For ingrown toenails, we can trim and clean your child’s toenail and, in the case of infection, help get your child’s foot health back on track. We can also help you identify possible causes for your child’s ingrown toenail, so you can take steps to prevent a recurrence of this uncomfortable condition.

If your child’s gait is a concern, our doctors will evaluate how your child walks, stands, and moves to determine whether treatment is needed. From there, we build a plan that fits your child’s age, activity level, and stage of growth, so you can feel confident about the path forward.