Pediatric Foot Care

Foot & Ankle Surgeons of Oklahoma provides pediatric foot care for children of all ages who are experiencing a variety of foot problems, including foot pain, deformities, and injuries. Proper foot care is especially important for children, as foot problems that crop up later in life often stem from childhood issues, and early detection is key.

What is the best way to care for my child’s feet?

Proper foot care for children includes keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing appropriate, well-fitting, and protective footwear designed for the activity or sport the child is participating in, and contacting a podiatrist as soon as any foot pain or injury occurs. It’s also important to make sure shoes sizes are checked frequently due to foot growth, as shoes that are too small can lead to foot and toe problems.

For infants, foot shape and size change rapidly before the child reaches his or her first birthday. Since babies have feet that are flexible and still forming, their feet should be able to stretch out and kick without restriction. Excessive pressure or restrictive shoes and socks can impact the shape of a baby’s still-forming foot.

Toddlers should walk when they are ready, without being forced to take their first steps prematurely. Gait problems are common when toddlers learn to walk; issues such as in-toeing and toe walking are usually outgrown and resolve on their own. By age 8, a child’s bone structure of the feet is well-formed.

When should my child see a podiatrist?

Children’s feet grow rapidly during the first year, reaching almost half their adult foot size. This is why foot specialists consider the first year to be the most important in the development of the feet. As a child ages, they can voice their concerns and let you know if they’re experiencing pain or discomfort in their feet, but for little ones, it’s up to you to be aware of any abnormalities that may be concerning. Another telltale sign that something might be wrong is new or prolonged limping. 

If a fracture or injury occurs to a growth plate, the bone may experience improper growth and develop problems later on. Therefore, it is important to have fractures checked, diagnosed, and treated by a doctor.

We encourage you to bring your child in for an exam if you notice any of the following symptoms: 

• Isn’t walking by about 18 months
• Has flat feet after the age of seven
• Experiences difficulty standing or limited range of motion
• Has redness, swelling, or inflammation in their feet or ankles

We also recommend you bringing your child to Foot & Ankle Surgeons of Oklahoma if they have a foot wound that is severe or one that isn’t healing properly.

What pediatric conditions do you treat? 

Because Foot & Ankle Surgeons of Oklahoma’s pediatric podiatrists have extensive training in caring for children, they can intervene and provide treatments to ensure your child continues to develop appropriately. 

Pediatric foot conditions we diagnose and treat include: 

• Overlapping Toes
• Clubfoot
• Flat Feet
• Bunions
• Ankle Sprains
• Fractures
• Warts
• Ingrown Toenails
• Heel Pain
• Arch Pain
• Athletes Foot
• Sweaty Feet
• Walking Patterns (Gait):
  • In Toeing
  • Out Toeing
  • Toe walking
  • Limping
  • Extra Toes

How are pediatric foot problems treated?

Foot & Ankle Surgeons of Oklahoma personalizes pediatric foot care treatment plans specifically for your child and their diagnosis. Your dedicated pediatric podiatrist may recommend:

• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Specialized foot or ankle braces
• Topical treatments for infections
• Custom-molded orthotic inserts
• Range of motion exercises
• Activity modifications

For children experiencing flatfeet or more serious in-toeing or out-toeing, they may need corrective shoes, orthotics, splints, or night braces to help resolve the issue. 

If your child needs surgery for a complex deformity or severe injury, our compassionate team of surgeons and providers will care for them every step of the way, including throughout their postoperative recovery stage. We work diligently to ensure your little one experiences a full recovery, no matter which type of treatment is right for them.

To schedule an appointment, call us at (405) 418-4500.