Common Pediatric Foot Conditions

Children are more susceptible to some foot problems due to growth spurts and development.  There are some conditions that are common in children including ingrown toenails, flat feet, heel pain, and plantar warts.  This blog aims to help parents prevent or treat these conditions in their children.

1. Ingrown Toenails

• What Is It?
• According to Mayoclinic.com an ingrown toenail is a condition in which the corner or side of one of the toenails grows into the soft flesh of the skin.
• Prevention
• Cut toenails straight across
• Make sure shoes fit properly
• Treatment
• Lifting the nail
• Partially removing the nail
• Removing nail and tissue

2. Flat Feet

• What Is It?
• Your child has flat feet when the arch on the inside of the foot is flattened, allowing the entire foot to touch the floor when he or she stands up.
• Treatment
• Shoe Inserts
• Stretching Exercises
• In some cases, surgery

3. Heel Pain

• What Is It?
• Pain in the heels of the foot or feet.
• Prevention
• Properly fitted and supportive shoes
• Treatment
• Orthotics
• APC Injections
• Extra corporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

4. Plantar Warts

• What Is It?
• Plantar warts are noncancerous skin growths on the soles of your feet caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters your body through tiny cuts, breaks or other vulnerable sites on the skin of the feet.
• Prevention
• Avoid Direct Contact with warts
• Keep Feet Clean and Dry
• Don't Allow Children to go Barefoot in public areas
• Treatment
• Freezing
• Cantharidin
• Immunotherapy
• Minor Surgery
• Laser Treatment

If you suspect your child has any of these foot conditions, or one that is not mentioned above, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.  The sooner your child gets treatment the sooner the problem can be eradicated. Call our office at 419-423-1888 or visit our website to request an appointment.