Pediatric Podiatry Services
At the Northern Ontario Foot and Ankle Clinic, the staff has extensive training in caring for the feet of infants and children including diagnosing, treating and preventing disease of the foot.
Foot problems commonly referred to our office by other health care providers include: flat feet, toe walking, and in-toeing (pigeon toed).
The first year of a child’s life is a crucial time regarding the development of the feet. Children’s feet grow quickly during the first 12 months of their life and reach nearly half of their adult foot size during that time. Because a child’s foot is so pliable and soft, abnormal pressure on the foot can result in deformities.
Common complaints among children and teenagers include heel pain. This pain may be caused by rapid growth and because the heel bone, or the calcaneus, does not fully develop until your child reaches the age of 14 or even older. Too much stress on the physis, or the growth plate located the back of the heel, can cause pediatric heel pain.
Ingrown nails are particularly common with young patients, particularly during the teen years.
Children get warts more than anyone else. Warts are caused by a virus, and when they are on the bottom of the foot, they are called plantar warts. Children often pick up these viruses by going barefoot in the gym, locker room, or pool area.
Plantar warts can be quite painful and get inflamed due to the constant contact they receive from everyday activities such as walking and running. pounding they receive.
You may want to make an appointment for your child with our office if you notice the following signs:
- uneven shoe wear
- evidence of lumps, bumps or redness on the feet
- complaints of pain in the feet or ankles
- regular tripping and falling
- presence of skin or toenail problems
- presence of unusual or foul odors
A proper examination by our podiatrist of your child’s foot can help to determine what is causing problems or pain. A treatment plan will be discussed with you during the initial visit.