Pediatric Podiatry Care

Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic podiatrists Scott Nelson, DPM and Hang Nguyen, DPM have years of experience providing comprehensive pediatric care for children and adolescents. Both doctors opt for conservative treatment methods whenever possible. In addition, as providers of pediatric foot and ankle care, they focus on prevention as well, taking time to review ways they may prevent future foot and ankle problems.

So, if your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, warts, ingrown toenails, etc, don’t delay. Give Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic a call at (972) 414-9800 to schedule a podiatrist appointment by phone today. You can also schedule your child’s appointment with our foot and ankle specialists online by filling out an appointment form. Our cheerful staff and experienced doctors at both Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic locations (in Garland TX and Wylie TX) are ready to you and your child today.

Read on for more information about conditions that children’s foot and ankle doctors commonly treat and about pediatric podiatry in general.

Foot & Ankle Doctors for Children and Teens

Children’s feet change quickly as they grow. Most of the time, those changes are a normal part of development. However, persistent foot pain, repeated tripping, difficulty participating in sports, painful toenails or an unusual walking pattern may deserve a closer look.

At Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic, we provide pediatric podiatry for children and teens at both of our North Texas locations. Scott Nelson, DPM sees pediatric patients at our Garland, TX office, while Hang Nguyen, DPM provides foot and ankle care for children and teens at our Wylie, TX location.

Our podiatrists evaluate both everyday childhood foot problems and more complex conditions that can interfere with walking, sports or normal activities.

Most importantly, we do not assume that every difference in a child’s feet requires treatment. Instead, Dr. Nelson and Dr. Nguyen look at the child’s symptoms, age, development, activity level and foot structure before recommending care.

If your child has ongoing foot or ankle pain or you are concerned about the way your child walks, call (972) 414-9800 or request an appointment online.

What Is Pediatric Podiatry?

Pediatric podiatry focuses on foot and ankle conditions that affect babies, children, adolescents and teens. Children are not simply smaller versions of adults. Their bones are still growing, their walking patterns continue to develop and some conditions that look unusual to a parent may actually represent normal stages of growth.

On the other hand, pain, stiffness, repeated injuries or significant differences between the two feet may signal a problem that deserves evaluation. A pediatric podiatry examination can help determine whether your child’s foot or walking concern:

• Represents normal development
• Should simply be monitored
• May benefit from changes in footwear or activity
• Requires treatment
• Needs additional testing or imaging
• Should be evaluated by another type of medical specialist

The goal is to address genuine problems without unnecessarily treating normal childhood development.

When Should a Child See a Podiatrist?

Children do not always describe pain the same way adults do. A younger child may simply stop wanting to walk, ask to be carried more often or avoid activities that previously seemed enjoyable.

Consider scheduling a pediatric foot examination if your child:

• Frequently complains about foot or ankle pain
• Begins limping
• Avoids running, sports or physical activity because of discomfort
• Has recurring heel pain
• Experiences repeated ankle sprains
• Has a painful or infected ingrown toenail
• Develops a plantar wart that causes discomfort
• Has a foot injury that is not improving
• Has painful or unusually stiff flat feet
• Walks on the toes persistently
• Has feet that turn noticeably inward or outward
• Frequently trips or falls beyond what seems typical for age
• Develops one foot differently from the other
• Has difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably

Additionally, pain that repeatedly returns deserves attention even if your child seems comfortable between episodes.

Flat Feet in Children

Parents frequently notice that their child’s feet appear flat when standing.

Fortunately, flat feet are extremely common in babies and young children, and many children develop more visible arches as they grow.

Therefore, the appearance of a flat foot alone does not automatically mean something is wrong.

A painless, flexible flat foot usually does not require treatment.

However, a podiatric evaluation may be appropriate when flat feet are associated with:

• Foot or ankle pain
• Fatigue during walking or sports
• A stiff or rigid foot
• Limited motion
• Recurrent discomfort
• A noticeable difference between the two feet
• Difficulty participating in normal activities

Your podiatrist can determine whether the foot remains flexible and whether another structural condition may be causing symptoms.

The National Library of Medicine offers additional information about flat feet in children and adults.

Do Children With Flat Feet Need Orthotics?

Not automatically.

Many children with painless flexible flat feet do perfectly well without shoe inserts or other treatment.

However, when foot structure or biomechanics contribute to pain, fatigue or another functional problem, a podiatrist may recommend an orthotic or another form of support.

In those cases, the purpose of the orthotic is generally to improve support, reduce uncomfortable pressure or improve function. It does not simply “create” an arch in a normally developing child’s foot.

If Dr. Nelson or Dr. Nguyen believes an orthotic may benefit your child, learn more about custom orthotics at Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic.

Heel Pain in Children & Teens

Heel pain can develop from injury to the bone or the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support it. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis due to inflammation of the thick band of tissue that stretches from the bottom of the toes to the heel. Heel pain often develops in children who play sports, like track, soccer, or basketball.

Heel pain is common in active children, particularly during periods of rapid growth. One condition seen in growing athletes is Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis. Despite its name, Sever’s disease is not actually a disease. Instead, repetitive stress irritates the growth area at the back of the heel.

Children with Sever’s disease may experience:

• Heel pain during or after sports
• Pain with running or jumping
• Tenderness at the back of the heel
• Pain that improves with rest
• Tight calf muscles
• Difficulty participating comfortably in athletics

Soccer, basketball, football, gymnastics, running and other impact sports can place repeated stress on the heel.

Treatment often involves reducing the activity that is causing pain, stretching tight muscles and addressing footwear or support when appropriate.

The American Academy of Pediatrics provides additional information about heel pain and Sever’s disease in young athletes.

Persistent heel pain should be evaluated because stress fractures and other conditions can sometimes cause similar symptoms.

Intoeing, Out-Toeing & Walking Concerns

Parents often notice differences in the way their children walk.

For example, a child’s feet may point inward, commonly called intoeing or “pigeon toes.” Other children may walk with their feet turned outward.

Many childhood walking variations improve naturally as bones grow and coordination develops.

However, an evaluation may be helpful when:

• The walking pattern causes pain
• One side looks significantly different from the other
• Your child frequently trips or falls
• The condition appears to be getting worse
• Walking becomes difficult
• The foot seems stiff
• Your child cannot keep up comfortably with peers
• Another neurological or developmental concern is present

A podiatrist can examine the feet and lower extremities to help determine whether the position comes from the foot itself or whether another area of the leg may be contributing.

Persistent Toe Walking

Walking on the toes is common when children first learn to walk.

Most children eventually begin walking with the heel contacting the ground normally.

However, persistent toe walking deserves evaluation when it continues beyond the expected developmental stage, particularly if:

• The child cannot comfortably place the heel down
• One side is affected more than the other
• The calf or Achilles tendon feels unusually tight
• The child experiences pain
• Walking or balance becomes difficult

Several different factors can contribute to toe walking. Therefore, treatment depends on the cause rather than simply trying to force the heel toward the ground.

Pediatric Sports Injuries

Children and teens participate in sports more intensely than ever, and growing feet can experience both sudden injuries and overuse problems.

Common pediatric sports-related foot and ankle problems include:

• Ankle sprains
• Foot fractures
• Stress fractures
• Heel pain
• Tendon irritation
• Toe injuries
• Growth-plate injuries
• Pain caused by repetitive impact

A child who repeatedly complains about pain during sports should not simply be told to “play through it.”

Instead, identifying the source of the pain can help protect the injured area while allowing a safer return to activity.

Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic also provides care for athletic injuries through our Sports Medicine services.

For suspected fractures, visit our Foot Fracture page.

Ingrown Toenails in Children & Teens

Ingrown toenails commonly affect children and teenagers, particularly active kids who wear athletic shoes or cleats. An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail presses or grows into the surrounding skin. Adolescents or teens who cut their toenails too short may experience inflammation, redness, and pain from ingrown toenails.

Symptoms may include:

• Toe pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness along the nail edge
• Drainage when infection develops

Trimming nails too short or rounding the corners can contribute to ingrown nails. Tight footwear can also place additional pressure against the toe. For mild cases, proper nail care and footwear changes may help. However, recurring, very painful or infected ingrown toenails may require professional treatment.

The National Library of Medicine provides helpful information about ingrown toenail causes, prevention and treatment. You can also learn about other toenail disorders treated at Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic.

Plantar Warts & Other Skin Problems

Children and teenagers can also develop plantar warts. While warts can affect individuals of all ages, children and teens are at a higher risk. A plantar wart is a growth that typically develops on the bottom of the foot. Plantar warts often are under thickened skin, so they can be difficult to identify. These grainy bumps often feel uncomfortable to walk on, especially if they’re large.

Because body weight presses against them while standing and walking, plantar warts can become uncomfortable and sometimes resemble calluses. Avoid cutting or digging at a painful growth on your child’s foot at home. If you are uncertain whether an area is a wart, corn, callus or something else, a podiatrist can identify it and recommend appropriate care.

Children may also experience:

• Athlete’s foot
• Blisters
• Fungal skin infections
• Irritation from shoes
• Other skin problems affecting the feet

Toenail fungus is an infection that often starts as a white or yellow spot on the nail. As the fungus grows, it can cause the nail to crumble or become discolored. Teens are at a high risk of developing toenail fungus as the condition is common in individuals who walk around locker rooms barefoot or wear damp socks.

Foot & Ankle Fractures in Children

Children can fracture bones in the feet or ankles after:

• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Playground accidents
• Twisting injuries
• Direct impacts
• Repetitive athletic stress

Symptoms may include swelling, bruising, localized tenderness and difficulty putting weight on the foot.

Additionally, because children have growth plates, some injuries require special attention even when they initially appear minor.

If your child cannot comfortably bear weight after an injury or has significant swelling, bruising or persistent pain, schedule an evaluation.

How Does a Podiatrist Evaluate a Child’s Feet?

The examination depends on the reason for the visit.

Dr. Nelson or Dr. Nguyen may look at:

• Foot and ankle alignment
• Range of motion
• Areas of pain or tenderness
• Arch development
• Muscle and tendon flexibility
• Shoe wear
• Walking and running pattern
• Balance
• Skin and toenails
• Differences between the right and left foot

For walking concerns, your podiatrist may ask your child to walk across the room so the movement of the feet and legs can be observed.

Meanwhile, injuries may require X-rays or other imaging.

Whenever possible, the evaluation focuses on identifying the cause of the problem before deciding whether treatment is necessary.

Pediatric Foot Treatment

Treatment varies considerably because childhood foot conditions range from minor nail problems to fractures and structural concerns.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Observation and monitoring
• Changes in shoes
• Activity modification
• Stretching
• Padding
• Bracing
• Immobilization for certain injuries
• Custom orthotics when medically appropriate
• Treatment for ingrown toenails or warts
• Rehabilitation after an injury
• Additional imaging or specialist referral when necessary

At Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic, our doctors take a conservative approach whenever appropriate.

In fact, sometimes the best treatment is reassurance that the child’s feet are developing normally.

When a real problem exists, however, identifying it early can help reduce pain and keep children active.

Pediatric Podiatry in Garland, TX

Parents looking for a pediatric podiatrist in Garland, Texas can schedule an appointment with Scott Nelson, DPM at Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic.

Dr. Nelson provides foot and ankle care for patients of all ages and treats childhood conditions ranging from heel pain and flatfoot concerns to sports injuries, fractures, ingrown toenails and other painful foot problems.

Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic of Garland
3930 Naaman School Road, Suite C
Garland, TX 75040
(972) 414-9800

Our Garland office is conveniently located near President George Bush Turnpike and the Firewheel area.

Visit our Garland podiatry office page for directions and additional information.

Pediatric Podiatry in Wylie, TX

Families looking for a children’s foot doctor or pediatric podiatry care in Wylie, Texas can schedule an appointment with Hang Nguyen, DPM at Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic.

Dr. Nguyen treats foot and ankle conditions in patients at different stages of life and provides both conservative and surgical foot and ankle care when appropriate.

Children and teens can see Dr. Nguyen for concerns such as foot pain, flat feet with symptoms, heel pain, sports injuries, fractures, toenail problems and other foot and ankle conditions.

Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic of Wylie
2300 FM 544, Suite 230
Wylie, TX 75098
(972) 414-9800

Our Wylie office is located on FM 544 near Wylie High School.

Visit our Wylie podiatry office page for location information and directions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Podiatry

What is a pediatric podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a physician who diagnoses and treats conditions involving the foot and ankle. Pediatric podiatry refers specifically to foot and ankle care for children and adolescents.

Does my child’s flat foot need treatment?

Not necessarily. Flat feet are common in young children, and painless flexible flat feet usually do not require treatment. However, painful, stiff or unusually asymmetric flat feet should be evaluated.

Why does my child’s heel hurt during sports?

Active children can develop several causes of heel pain. One common cause during growth is Sever’s disease, which irritates the growth area of the heel. Stress injuries and other conditions can also cause heel pain, so persistent symptoms deserve evaluation.

Should I worry if my child’s feet turn inward?

Intoeing is common in children and often improves naturally as they grow. However, pain, stiffness, significant asymmetry or difficulty walking should be evaluated.

When should toe walking be checked?

Toe walking is common in very young children. Consider an evaluation if it persists, especially when your child cannot comfortably place the heels down, has significant tightness, pain or an uneven walking pattern.

Can children wear custom orthotics?

Yes, when there is a medical reason for them. However, not every child with flat feet or another foot variation needs orthotics. Your podiatrist can determine whether an orthotic could help your child’s particular symptoms or biomechanics.

Can a podiatrist treat children’s sports injuries?

Yes. Podiatrists evaluate many foot and ankle sports injuries in children and teens, including sprains, fractures, stress injuries and heel pain.

Does a child need a referral to see a podiatrist?

Referral requirements often depend on your insurance plan. Contact Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic or your insurance provider if you are unsure whether your plan requires one.

Schedule a Pediatric Podiatry Appointment in Garland or Wylie

Children should be able to run, play and participate in everyday activities without ongoing foot or ankle pain.

If your child is limping, repeatedly complaining about foot pain, struggling during sports or developing a recurring foot or toenail problem, let us take a look.

Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic provides pediatric podiatry in Garland and Wylie, Texas.

Scott Nelson, DPM sees patients at our Garland office, while Hang Nguyen, DPM provides pediatric foot and ankle care at our Wylie location.

Call (972) 414-9800 or request an appointment online today.