Foot problems don’t just affect adults; they impact children as well. At Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, Texas, Scott Nelson, DPM, and his team of practitioners provide comprehensive pediatric care for children and adolescents. If your child is experiencing foot pain, warts, or ingrown toenails, call Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic or schedule an appointment online today.
request an appointmentWhat is pediatric care in podiatry?
Several foot conditions that interfere with mobility and function in adults can also affect children. A podiatrist who specializes in pediatric care has the unique training and experience to prevent, manage, and treat these conditions in children. Pediatric care enables the team at Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic to identify these problems early on and treat them as soon as possible.
What can pediatric care treat in podiatry?
In general, pediatric podiatry aims to prevent foot conditions or provide early intervention. The sooner your child’s foot condition receives treatment, the sooner they can continue to develop in a healthy way.
Common conditions that podiatrists prevent, diagnose, and treat in children include:
Heel pain
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.
Plantar warts
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. While warts can affect individuals of all ages, children and teens are at a higher risk.
Fungal toenails
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.
Ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Adolescents or teens who cut their toenails too short may experience inflammation, redness, and pain from ingrown toenails.
How can I care for my child’s feet?
The best way to care for your child’s feet is to talk to Dr. Nelson at Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic if you notice any signs of growth or development issues.
You can also promote healthy function with custom-made orthotics. These custom shoe inserts correct imbalances in your child’s feet. They help correct deficiencies, so your child can stand, walk, and run comfortably.
To learn more about pediatric care in podiatry, call Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic or book an appointment online today.