Children are just like adults in that they regularly experience foot and ankle issues. If your child regularly complains of foot pain, it’s time to see a podiatrist. At Diablo Podiatry, podiatrists Christyn Marshall, DPM, AACFAS and Jenny Lam, DPM, AACFAS and the team specialize in pediatric foot care. They see lots of kids and can treat both minor and complex issues. To make an appointment for your child at the practice in San Ramon, California, call the office today or schedule online.
request an appointmentWhat is pediatric foot care?
Pediatric foot care diagnoses and treats foot and ankle issues in children and teenagers. Because children grow rapidly, they’re more susceptible to certain conditions, including flat feet, heel pain, plantar warts, and ingrown toenails.
If your child experiences foot or ankle pain, and it interferes with their ability to play, participate in sports, or enjoy time with friends, contact the team at Diablo Podiatry right away.
What issues does pediatric foot care treat?
The team at Diablo Podiatry sees a lot of children and uses pediatric foot care to treat various conditions, including:
Ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when your child’s nail grows into the soft skin that surrounds their nail bed. Ingrown toenails are particularly common in teenagers. Researchers aren’t sure why, but it’s thought that growth spurts may be to blame.
Plantar warts
Plantar warts are small, flesh-colored growths that develop on the heels and balls of the feet. They occur when a strain of the human papillomavirus infiltrates the skin, causing a lesion. Plantar warts are painful, but they’re easy to remove with professional treatment.
Heel pain
Heel pain can occur for various reasons, including plantar fasciitis and Sever’s disease. Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury, while Sever’s disease causes pain in the growth plate at the back of your child’s heel. The condition is especially common in kids aged 8-14.
Flat feet
If your child has flat feet, it means the soles of their feet make direct contact with the ground. Many children develop arches as they get older, but if your child complains of pain or difficulty walking, book an appointment at Diablo Podiatry.
What happens during a pediatric foot care appointment?
At Diablo Podiatry, a pediatric foot care appointment begins with a review of your child’s medical history and a discussion of their symptoms. If your child is anxious around others or too young to advocate for themselves, you can sit in on the appointment and answer their provider’s questions.
During the exam, your child’s provider carefully observes their heels, ankles, and toes. Depending on your child’s symptoms, they might also ask your child to perform a series of easy stretches or range of motion exercises.
If these steps aren’t enough to make a diagnosis, your child’s provider might order X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan.
Once the team makes a diagnosis, they develop a custom treatment plan to reduce your child’s symptoms and help them feel better.
To make a pediatric foot care appointment for your child at Diablo Podiatry, schedule online or call the office today.