Pediatric Foot Conditions Specialist

What is pediatric foot care?

Pediatric foot care is a branch of podiatry focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle problems in children and teenagers.

Children are susceptible to many of the same foot conditions as adults, including ingrown toenails, heel pain, and flat feet. However, because they grow so rapidly, these problems often present different symptoms.

If your child regularly complains of foot and ankle pain or other similar problems, don’t wait to seek professional help. The sooner they receive a diagnosis, the sooner they can return to their normal routine and favorite activities.

What are some common issues that pediatric foot care treats?

Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic offers a full suite of pediatric foot care services, including treatment for:

Toeing in

If an unborn baby presses its feet against its mother’s womb, it may be born with its feet pointed inward. This can result in a condition called toeing in, which makes it difficult to walk. If your child regularly trips or stumbles, it may be due to toeing in.

Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic can teach you easy exercises to straighten your child’s feet. These exercises only take a few minutes each day and provide near-instant results.

Flat feet

Flat feet, or fallen arches, is common in children and teens. Most children grow out of the condition and experience no lasting problems. However, in some cases, flat feet cause problems walking or running. Custom orthotics and other integrative treatments can ease symptoms and improve your child’s mobility.

Plantar warts

Plantar warts are small, fleshy growths that occur on the weight-bearing areas of the feet like the balls and heels. They occur due to a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Usually, plantar warts resolve on their own, but in some cases, treatment with cryotherapy or medical-grade acid may be necessary.

Ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when your child’s nail grows into the soft skin surrounding the nail bed. When left untreated, an ingrown nail may become infected, increasing your child’s risk of gangrene or more serious problems. You can lower your child’s risk of ingrown toenails by trimming their nails straight across.

What happens during a pediatric foot care appointment?

A pediatric foot care appointment at Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic begins with a review of your child’s medical history, a discussion of their symptoms, and a thorough physical exam. If necessary, your child’s provider might also order lab tests or diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI, to pinpoint the underlying cause of their discomfort.

Schedule a pediatric foot care appointment for your child at Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic today. Call the office or book a consultation online.