Parents have many worries. You worry about your children meeting milestones, what they eat for dinner, and how they are doing at school. Most parents don’t think much about their children’s feet. However, untreated pediatric foot conditions may cause problems with your child’s growth and development. Here are some ways for Chicago parents to spot the most common pediatric foot problems.
Flat Feet
While many babies are born without an arch in their foot, most children will develop an arch as time goes on. Children whose feet remain flat may have ankles that turn inward when they stand or walk. Flat feet are generally not an issue, but in some cases they can cause pain for your child, and your Chicago podiatrist may recommend treatment.
Plantar Warts
This type of skin lesion is common in children, and is characterized by a raised bump on the foot that may be filled with black dots. It’s a common misconception that these are the ‘seeds’ of the wart, when they are actually tiny capillaries. Plantar warts are caused by the HPV virus, and appear at first like a callus but often become painful to the touch. The body may clear them on its own, but in some cases your podiatrist may need to remove them so they do not spread or worsen.
Heel Pain
Pre-adolescents are susceptible to heel pain due to growth in the feet at around 10 years old. The heel is often prone to sports injuries around this time, but your podiatrist can recommend shoe inserts to help relieve your child’s pain.
Pigeon Toes
If your child’s feet point inward, they may have pigeon toes. This is quite common when they are young. Pigeon toes, also called in-toeing, do not typically cause issues. However, they can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. It’s best to bring your child in to see a podiatrist to be sure.
If you spot these or any other potential pediatric foot problems, consult with your child’s podiatrist. Affiliated Podiatrists of Chicago can diagnose and pediatric foot problems in infants, children, and teens. If you are worried about your child’s foot or ankle development, schedule an appointment today at 773-202-8800.