Childrens Feet

Children with strong, healthy feet often avoid many kinds of lower extremity problems later in life. Contact our office to have your children`s feet and lower extremities examined.

Plantar Warts
Plantar warts (verruca) are common in children, especially teenagers but the good news is they usually harmless. A wart is usually found on the soles of your feet, though they can also appear around the toes. In the early stages, a wart looks like a small, dark, puncture mark. It may become rough and bumpy with a cauliflower-like appearance and may develop a black spot in the middle, which is caused by bleeding. A wart may spread into a cluster of smaller warts.

Warts are caused by the human papiloma virus (HPV). This virus is very contagious, but can only be caught by direct contact It thrives in warm, moist environments such as swimming pools, changing room floors and bathrooms. If an infected bare foot walks across the poolside, it may release virus-infected cells onto the floor. You could also catch the virus from an infected towel.

Minimise the chances of catching warts by keeping feet clean and dry, and covering up any cuts or scratches. Avoid walking barefoot in communal showers or changing rooms and don’t share towels. Avoid touching or scratching as it may spread. Cover it up with plaster – in some cases, this may cure it.

Warts usually disappear in time (fought off by the immune system), but if they are causing pain, there are a number of effective treatment options available – though no one particular treatment can guarantee a cure.

Infants
The size and shape of your baby`s feet change quickly during their first year. Because a baby`s feet are flexible, too much pressure or strain can affect their feet`s shape. It`s important to allow your baby to kick and stretch his or her feet. Also, make sure shoes and socks do not squeeze the toes.

Toddlers
Try not to force your toddler to walk before she is ready. Carefully watch her gait once she begins to walk. If your toddler`s toe touches down instead of the heel, or she always sits while others play, contact our office. Many toddlers have a pigeon-toe gait, and this is normal. Most children outgrow the problem.

When foot care is needed

To help with flatfeet, special shoes or custom-made shoe inserts may be prescribed. To correct mild intoeing, your toddler may need to sit in a different position while playing or watching TV. If you child`s feet turn in or out a lot, corrective shoes, splints, or night braces may be prescribed.

The foot`s bone structure is well-formed by the time your child reaches age 7 or 8, but if a growth plate (the area where bone growth begins) is injured, the damaged plate may cause the bone to grow oddly. With a doctor`s care, however, the risk of future bone problems is reduced.

Remember to check your child`s shoe size often. Make sure there is space between the toes and the end of the shoe, Make sure their shoes are roomy enough to allow the toes to move freely. Don`t let your child wear hand-me-downs.