IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL! We are open: As one of the essential public services Adelaide Foot and Ankle is here to keep you active. Make a booking today.
Leading Edge technology to eliminate warts
Semaphore: 08 83415598 or Prospect: 08 84200636
Foot And Ankle
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Podcast
    • Shop
  • Podiatric Services
    • 3D laser scanning for orthotic therapy
    • Biomechanical Assessment
    • Extra corporal shock wave therapy
    • Foot and ankle surgery
    • Laser therapy to eliminate fungal nails (onychomycosis)
    • Prescription of medicines
    • Steroid injections
  • Conditions
    • Ankles
    • Bunions
    • Corns & Calluses
    • Cracked Heels
    • Diabetes and poor circulation (vascular disease)
    • Flat Feet
    • Foot and ankle pain and instability
    • Fractures
    • Fungal nails
    • Hammer toes
    • Heel spurs & plantar fasciitis
    • High arched feet
    • Ingrown toenails
    • Neuromas
    • Tendonitis
    • Warts
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
    • Patient’s Form
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Podcast
    • Shop
  • Podiatric Services
    • 3D laser scanning for orthotic therapy
    • Biomechanical Assessment
    • Extra corporal shock wave therapy
    • Foot and ankle surgery
    • Laser therapy to eliminate fungal nails (onychomycosis)
    • Prescription of medicines
    • Steroid injections
  • Conditions
    • Ankles
    • Bunions
    • Corns & Calluses
    • Cracked Heels
    • Diabetes and poor circulation (vascular disease)
    • Flat Feet
    • Foot and ankle pain and instability
    • Fractures
    • Fungal nails
    • Hammer toes
    • Heel spurs & plantar fasciitis
    • High arched feet
    • Ingrown toenails
    • Neuromas
    • Tendonitis
    • Warts
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
    • Patient’s Form

Blog

Foot And Ankle > Children's Foot Problems > Common Foot Problems in Children

Common Foot Problems in Children

By Podiatrist - In Children's Foot Problems, Flat Feet, Foot and ankle pain and instability - January 22, 2020

It is normal for a parent to be concerned about the health and future of their children as they are growing up. There is a possibility that you’ll notice that your child has some foot problems or any deformities. Although many of these conditions can be easily corrected without any help as the child grows, it is still essential for you to observe them throughout this period. Here are the common foot problems in children.

Contents hide
1 Common Pediatric Foot Conditions
1.1 1. Flat feet.
1.2 2. In-Toeing.
1.3 3. Toe Walking.
1.4 4. Knock-Knees.
1.5 5. Heel Pain.
1.6 6. Bow Legs.
2 Tips to Ensure that Your Child’s Feet are Healthy

Common Pediatric Foot Conditions

The feet of young children, including babies and toddlers, are very soft. Their bones have not yet grown to their full capacity, and so there are several foot problems that your child may experience, including:

1.    Flat feet.

flat feet in children

As soon as babies are born, you will notice that they have flat feet. They will develop arches as they grow. However, some of these children may never develop their arc fully.

This condition poses a problem since that child may end up with weak ankles due to the inward turn of the ankles.

Although it seems like something that must be addressed as soon as possible, it actually does not cause significant problems. It often corrects itself by the time the kid turns six. Doctors may only opt to start treatment if the kid experiences any pain.

In sports, your child can wear arch supports to reduce or avoid foot pain.

2.    In-Toeing.

in-toeing common foot problem in childrenThis condition is also known as pigeon toes, wherein children walk with their feet turned inward. Those with this problem may trip up way more often compared to normal, especially if they are also suffering from internal tibial torsion, which is the inward rotation of the lower part of the leg of the child.

Another related condition is femoral anteversion. If your child has this, it means that the upper part of your child’s leg is bent more than usual and is rotated inward. In some cases, in-toeing may occur due to an already existing medical condition, let’s say, for example, cerebral palsy.

These problems are often not treated by doctors since children usually overcome it in their teens as they develop better control of their muscles and improve their coordination.

3.    Toe Walking.

Many toddlers suffer from this condition. They would continuously walk on their toes, but this habit usually disappears when they reach the age of three. However, some kids would experience the problem for a much longer time.

Similar to the previous foot problem, this condition could be tied up to an existing medical condition, including, but not limited to autism, cerebral palsy, and muscle weakness disorders.

One suggestion that a doctor would give is to have your child undergo stretching exercises. They could also recommend casting the foot and ankle for around six weeks to help stretch the calf muscles. This is usually executed when the child is four or five years of age.

4.    Knock-Knees.

knock kneesIf you notice that your child’s knees meet when they stand and have a gap between the two ankles, they may be suffering from knock-knees, otherwise known as genu valgum.

This condition almost always corrects itself by the age of seven, so there is no need for any treatment. However, when one side is a lot more pronounced and is painful, they may need surgery.

5.    Heel Pain.

heel pain common foot problems in childrenWhen your child experiences pain in their heel, it could be due to plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation in the thick band of tissue found in the heel bone.

It may also be associated with Sever’s disease. This condition can cause the pain associated with a growth plate at the back of the heel. The pain may also be due to the tightness of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon during growth spurts.

6.    Bow Legs.

bow legs common foot problem in childrenBabies younger than 18 months commonly have a gap between both their knees and ankles when they stand.

However, if it worsens or doesn’t correct itself, you may have to visit your doctor to get medical advice. If only one leg is severely affected, it may be a sign of either rickets (bone growth problem due to lack of Calcium or vitamin D) or Blount disease (abnormal growth on the top of the tibia bone).

Tips to Ensure that Your Child’s Feet are Healthy

  1. While toddlers are still learning to walk, let them go barefoot or wear only socks. Shoes will inhibit their feet and toes growth.
  2. Always ensure that your kid is wearing the appropriate shoe size. Their feet grow incredibly fast, so regularly check.
  3. Select shoes that are a little bit bigger than their feet to allow room for growth.
  4. If your child is into sports, make sure they warm up before physical activity and cool down afterward.
  5. Encourage them to stretch and do exercises to strengthen their calf muscles.

 

fcalf exercises for foot health

These are only a few of the foot conditions that your child may experience. If you notice any problems or difficulties that your kid has with his walking, running or the appearance of his feet, you can always visit your podiatrist to address as early as possible.

 

  • children podiatry
  • children's foot problems
  • foot problems

Share

  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
← Dr Rob Hermann Self-Reflection & Clinical Insights
The Impact of Ill-Fitting Shoes in Children →

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Keeping You Active PodcastListen Now

5 Steps to help you find comfortable fitted shoes

Need new footwear? Here are some useful tips on finding you the best shoes to keep you active. Correct fitting footwear that provide both support and protection for your feet are very important in keeping you active.

AFA Shop Button

Categories

  • Ankles
  • Audio
  • Bunions
  • Children's Foot Problems
  • Diabetes and poor circulation (vascular disease)
  • Flat Feet
  • Foot and ankle pain and instability
  • Fungal nails
  • Hammer toes
  • Heel spurs & plantar fasciitis
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Orthotics
  • Tendonitis
  • Videos
  • Warts

Foot Conditions

  • Ankles
  • Bunions
  • Corns & Calluses
  • Cracked Heels
  • Diabetes and poor circulation (vascular disease)
  • Flat Feet
  • Foot and ankle pain and instability
  • Fractures
  • Fungal nails
  • Hammer toes
  • Heel spurs & plantar fasciitis
  • High arched feet
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Neuromas
  • Tendonitis
  • Warts

The Hidden Reasons For Heel Spur Pain – Dr. Robert Hermann

The-Hidden-Reasons-For-Heel-Spur-Pain

Dr. Rob Hermann

dr rob hermann podiatric surgeon
Dr Rob Hermann is a registered specialist podiatric foot and ankle surgeon. Rob completed his under graduate studies in podiatry in 1984… Read More

 

Adelaide Foot and Ankle provides comprehensive care through accurate and timely diagnosis that are discussed with the patient in order to develop and institute the best possible care.
You may also want to visit Foot and Ankle site for other information.

OUR PROFESSIONALS

  • Dr. Rob Hermann
  • Claire Bosworth
  • Orrien Margison

AREAS WE SERVICE

  • Sefton Park
  • North Adelaide
  • Walkerville

  • Podiatrist Appointment
  • Custom Orthotics Appointment

OUR SERVICES

  • Biomechanical Assesment
  • 3D laser scanning for orthotic therapy
  • Prescription of medicines
  • Steroid injections
  • Laser therapy to eliminate fungal nails (onychomycosis)
  • Extra corporal shock wave therapy
  • Foot and ankle surgery
  • Swift Wart Therapy

From The Blog

  • Bunion Surgery and What You Need to Know
    Bunion Surgery and What You Need to Know

    If you have a bunion, you need to see a podiatrist for orthotics and wear wider shoes.  If it continues to cause discomf...

  • Warts on Your Foot? Here are 4 Plantar Wart Home Remedies You Can Try
    Warts on Your Foot? Here are 4 Plantar Wart Home Remedies You Can Try

    Plantar wart is a common medical condition of the foot. It is the result of a viral infection caused by the Human Papill...

  • 9 Ingrown Toenail Remedies You Can Do at Home
    9 Ingrown Toenail Remedies You Can Do at Home

    Ingrown toenails that are not showing signs of infection can be treated at home. There are ingrown toenail remedies for...

OPENING HOURS

  • Mon to Wed8am–6pm
  • Thu & Fri8am–5pm
  • Saturday8am–1pm
  • SundayClosed
Request an Appointment
Copyright 2020. Adelaide Foot and Ankle. Site designed by Oceania Internet.
Terms of Use  Privacy Policy  Disclaimer