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A Few Signs Your Child Must See a Foot Specialist

During playtime, developing structures in your children’s feet can be harmed in a variety of ways. Certain medical disorders can also hinder their feet’s normal development. While certain types of children’s foot discomfort can be treated at home, others require a visit to any physician.

When your children have foot pain or show signs, parents often question if they should take them to a pediatric podiatrist Orange County. So, when is it worthwhile to make an appointment?

Here are a few signs when you must take your dear child to a certain children’s foot doctor.

Your child is complaining of pain

It is generally the first sign if your child always complains of pain, soreness, discomfort, tenderness, or other symptoms in their feet, legs, or ankles. Particularly, this is true in case your child complains of discomfort and pain frequently, and we recommend that you must visit a doctor.

You notice a certain new or deteriorating problem

Usually, you as a parent will be the first who may notice a problem. You must check for any behavioral or psychological changes that show a possibility of foot problem, like:

  • Withdrawal from activity
  • Changes in gait
  • Avoiding walking, standing, and/or running
  • Knocked knees/bowed legs

You must also watch for some other problems such as warts, open wounds, nail discoloration, foot fungus, ingrown toenails, etc. 

Your child has got a past history of certain foot problems

Is your youngster suffering from a foot injury? Do you have a family history of certain foot problems? Have they ever experienced any issues? Then you will need a podiatrist on your side.

Visible deformity

Children’s bodies are always developing, so they can have mechanical issues. Flatfeet is a common pediatric disease characterized by poor foot development. This condition occurs when the arch does not develop properly, forcing their entire foot to hit the floor.

Flatfeet are usually outgrown during childhood. Some people, however, never grow foot arches. Flatfeet, while usually innocuous, can lead to chronic foot pain. The improper leg posture may cause ankle and knee difficulties in the future.

Besides flat feet, you must also observe for any clubfoot in your child. Clubfoot can be an umbrella term that covers several foot abnormalities that may be present at birth as below:

  • A foot remains bent and out of shape
  • Underdeveloped calf muscles
  • Shorter leg/foot than the other

It is worth seeing a pediatric foot doctor if you notice an abnormality in the feet of your child. A podiatrist can do a comprehensive medical examination. They may recommend orthotics, physical therapy, or arch supports to rectify the deformity, depending on the diagnosis.

Heel pain

Your heel is a component of the foot that bears weight and is susceptible to disease and damage. Sever’s disease is a prevalent disorder that may cause such symptoms. The most vulnerable are children aged 8 to 14. Muscles, bones, tendons, and cartilage are quickly growing during this period, making them more prone to injury.

Youngsters, as a result, experiencing a growth spurt frequently suffer from heel pain. Thankfully, most children grow out of Sever’s disease. Conservative therapy options such as rest and medicine can be helpful in managing your child’s uncomfortable symptoms.

You can seek advice from a foot doctor if you want individualized therapy. They can suggest footwear and exercises to help relieve discomfort and build muscles.

Gait problems

Some foot diseases might have an impact on how your child moves and walks. Plantar warts, which appear as skin expansion on the bottom of the foot, are one such disorder. These growths are most commonly found on the heel and other weight-bearing locations.

If your toddler has plantar warts, putting pressure on one part of their foot may be unpleasant. They may adjust by walking with more pressure on the opposite leg. Consider visiting a foot doctor if you detect any gait-related issues.

Clubfeet

Clubfoot is usually discovered at birth and can be diagnosed via ultrasound. The therapy begins about a week after birth, when the baby is placed with a special cast to wear for 2 months, followed by certain medical shoes to wear until the youngster is roughly four years old.

Flat feet

When your child has flat feet, many parents take them to a podiatrist initially. However, most parents will not be concerned because foot arches may not be apparent until your child is around three years old. 

The child’s foot arches will then keep developing until he or she is eight years old. The exception is in case your child is having foot pain, which should be checked and treated immediately.

Persistent pain after a certain sports injury

Sports injuries to the ankles and feet are common. Children may sprain their ankles if they change direction quickly while running. The fast pivot, which strains the ligament that supports the ankle, can cause pain, edema, and instability.

A fracture is another common condition that has comparable symptoms to a sprain. This injury occurs when severe pressure is applied to a bone and may cause it to break.

Although home cures might help relieve pain, if it lasts for a few days, the injury of your child may become more serious than it appears. It might be difficult to determine the extent of their sports injuries on your own, hence seeing a foot doctor is recommended.