3 Common Foot Issues with Children

Children experience specific growth issues and foot problems as they develop. Parents need to pay attention to any signs like limping that may indicate a problem since kids can’t always properly verbalize the issue. Bone growth plate issues like Osgood Schlater’s and Sever’s disease will often resolve over time. Have regular visits with your foot doctor to make sure things are progressing normally.

3 foot issues common in children include the following:

1)    Sever’s disease—This is usually a painful inconvenience that the child eventually outgrows as the growth plates catch up to the bone's growth. You may have to curtail participation in sports and exercise for some time.

2)    Warts—Warts can be spread by contact, so kids often get them, including the painful plantar warts that grow in the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot. These warts are hidden under thick skin and can be hard to identify and treat without your foot doctor's help.

3)    Ingrown toenails—Always make sure your children’s footwear is sized correctly since wearing shoes that are too tight can cause a variety of issues, including painful and possibly infected ingrown toenails. Fungal toenails can also develop, so be sure to seek treatment from your podiatrist to avoid complications.

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle problems, contact your foot doctor for the proper care. James C. Ricketti, DPM of Hamilton Square, NJ (in Mercer County), is a board-certified podiatrist providing state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options for all foot types of ankle injuries, diseases, and deformities. From hammertoes and bunions to diabetic foot problems and sports injuries, you can rest assured that Dr. Ricketti and his staff will get you back on your feet as fast as possible. Please contact our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Call 609-587-1674.