Kids Feet

Talk with your podiatrist about your child’s developing feet and how to keep them healthy.


Why See a Foot Specialist?

The human feet contain nearly one–third of all the bones in the body, making them one of the most mechanically complex parts of our anatomy.

As a child develops, the feet go through several stages of maturity, from a softer structure at a young age to a more rigid structure with growth. Many complications can occur from improper foot function making it important to screen children’s feet during development. Detecting problems early can prevent injuries, pain, discomfort, long–term developmental issues and even surgery.

Untreated conditions can also negatively affect your child’s physical, social and psychological development. It is important not to assume your child will outgrow foot problems.


What is Normal?

Feet suffer a tremendous amount of force everyday and problems not addressed are likely to worsen over time. These are the warning signs that something is wrong:

  • Limping
  • Painful feet
  • Complaints of tired feet
  • Frequent falls when running

Even if your child does not display any of the above symptoms, an assessment by your podiatrist provides an opportunity to review:

  • Uneven shoe wear
  • Tripping and falling
  • Lack of activity
  • Prevent future issues


Factors That May Cause Foot Problems

  • Genetics
  • Injuries
  • Weight gain
  • Diabetes
  • Overuse in sports


What Can be Done? 

Your podiatrist can effectively diagnose and determine treatment needs of your growing child with a thorough examination. In some cases working with your podiatrist to educate yourself may be all you need to do. Other times treatment may be a suitable solution. 


Your Podiatrist May Recommend:

  • Stretching exercises 
  • Physical therapy 
  • Appropriately fitting shoes 
  • Increasing or reducing physical activity 
  • Orthotics – prefabricated or custom
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Kids Orthotics

What are Foot Orthotics? 

Foot orthotics are corrective devices designed to control foot function and are inserted into shoes. By realigning foot and ankle bones to a more neutral position, natural foot development and function are usually restored. Orthotics can help improve poor functioning feet before long‐term problems occur. 

ProLab Kiddythotics (pictured above) are designed using the best medical research making them the most effective children's prefabricated orthotics. A reasonable economic choice, these devices can only be acquired through your doctor. In some cases, a child may need custom made foot orthotics specifically designed for his/her feet.

 

If Your Child Has:

  • Heel Pain 
  • Sports Injuries 
  • Stress Fractures 
  • Flat Feet 
  • Ingrown Toenails 
  • Shin Splints

Ask Your Podiatrist 

  • What does it mean if my child has one of these conditions?
  • Will my child outgrow it?
  • Will this make my child more prone to injury? 
  • Are there negative lasting effects? 
  • Can the issue be corrected? 
  • What are ProLab Kiddythotics?