If your child regularly complains of foot, heel, or ankle pain, pediatric podiatry can determine the underlying cause and provide effective relief. At Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center, Todd Cox, DPM, offer pediatric podiatry services to children and teens, including treatment of plantar warts, flat feet, and ingrown toenails. To schedule an appointment at the Prescott, Arizona, practice, call to speak with a member of the support staff or book online today.
Pediatric podiatry is a branch of medicine that diagnoses, treats, and prevents foot-related health problems in children and teens.
Young people develop many of the same foot issues as adults, but because they’re more active and constantly growing, these conditions often occur more frequently.
Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center uses pediatric podiatry to treat various conditions, including:
Plantar warts are small, flesh-colored bumps that develop on the heels and balls of the feet. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and have a black dot in the middle. Warts usually go away on their own, but if they cause pain or discomfort, your child might benefit from cryotherapy or surgical removal.
If your child has flat feet, it means their arches make direct contact with the ground. Flat feet don’t always cause problems, but for some, they trigger leg and back pain. Fortunately, there are several ways to provide relief, including custom orthotics and arch supports that encourage healthy pronation (foot movement).
Ingrown toenails occur when your child’s nail grows into the soft skin surrounding their nail bed. Not only is this painful, without intervention, it often results in infection. Ingrown toenails are especially dangerous for children with diabetes or poor circulation. To prevent them from occurring, cut your child’s nails straight across.
Heel pain is especially common in teenagers. Common culprits include plantar fasciitis and Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease occurs in physically active children and athletes. It occurs due to strain on the Achilles tendon.
If your child regularly complains of foot, ankle, or heel pain, or their symptoms affect their ability to play or stay physically active, make an appointment at Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center right away.
Many foot-related health problems progress over time. Early intervention and treatment can significantly lower the risk of serious complications and side-effects.
Treatment for pediatric foot problems depends on the underlying cause and your child’s medical history. Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center typically recommends conservative, noninvasive treatments, including:
To request a pediatric podiatry consultation for your child, contact Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center. Call the office to speak with a member of the support staff or book online today.