Toddler and Children's Foot Care
Some health professionals say that the child will grow out of a condition, but that's not always true. We recommend your child to be assessed for any of these weaknesses you notice of any of the below descriptions.
Common Conditions in Toddlers & Children:
In-Toeing ("Pigeon-Toeing"):
A very common concern where the feet point inward during walking. It can stem from three distinct levels: the foot (metatarsus adductus), the lower leg (internal tibial torsion), or the hip (increased femoral anteversion).
Out-Toeing ("Duck-Walking"):
Less common than in-toeing, often caused by external rotation at the hip or leg, or severe flatfoot collapse.
Toe-Walking:
Walking on the balls of the feet without heel contact.
While often habit-based or developmental, persistent toe-walking requires screening to rule out tight Achilles tendons or neurological conditions.
Pediatric Flatfoot (Pes Planus):
Most toddlers naturally have flat feet due to a thick plantar fat pad and flexible ligaments. Treatment is only required if the flatfoot is symptomatic (causing pain, tripping, or fatigue) or rigid (non-flexible).
Pediatric Ingrown Toenails:
Frequently caused by improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or tight socks.
Plantar Verrucae (Warts):
Highly contagious viral skin infections (HPV) common in school-aged children using public pools or shared changing rooms.
Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis: Dry, cracking skin on the soles of the feet, often linked to friction and synthetic footwear.
Growth-Plate Pathologies (Apophysitis):
During growth spurts, bones can outpace tendons in length, pulling tightly on open growth plates during activity:
Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis):
Inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, very common in active 8 to 14-year-olds participating in sports involving running or jumping.
Osgood Schlatter's Disease:
Inflammation of the groth plate at the front of the knee
Iselin’s Disease:
Inflammation at the base of the fifth metatarsal (outer edge of the midfoot).