Since young children are not entirely capable of relaying the message that they are having foot or ankle problems, you need to pay attention to their movements and behaviors. If your child is limping, tiptoeing, or foot dragging, you should make an appointment to see your foot doctor to make sure it isn’t anything serious. Many childhood foot problems are outgrown with age, but some may require intervention.

3 common children’s foot conditions include the following:

1. Flat feet—It’s normal for very young children to have flexible bones and tissues since arch development doesn’t occur until later, so if your child’s arches are flexible, it’s usually nothing to worry about. As your child grows, arch development and support is crucial for maintaining proper gait. This also helps prevent problems with the knees, hips, and back. Be sure your child is properly fitted for sports and other shoes, and have regular visits with your foot doctor to monitor foot and ankle development.
2. Ingrown toenails—Children can also experience painful ingrown toenails that are often caused by shoes that are too tight and not properly fitted. Children need to get new footwear at least twice a year during growth spurts to help avoid foot and ankle problems.
3. Warts—Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, which is a very common virus that exists practically anywhere there are people. They are spread by contact and that’s how they often spread among children. Avoiding contact with the virus and other warts help prevent getting warts.

If your child has a foot or ankle problem, be sure to see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Kathleen Pyatak-Hugar, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.