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Children's Feet Specialist

North Central Texas Foot & Ankle

Board Certified Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Decatur, TX & Roanoke, TX

From the moment your child takes their first steps, their world changes as they enjoy the newfound freedom that comes with mobility. When a foot problem arises, you want to address the issue quickly so that your child can keep pace with their development. At North Central Texas Foot & Ankle, the team of board-certified podiatrists specializes in children’s feet, ensuring that your child, quite literally, gets off on the right foot. To learn more about the services for children’s feet, call the Decatur or Roanoke, Texas, location, or use the online scheduler.

Children's Feet Q & A

What are the most common foot problems in children?

A wide range of issues can affect children’s feet, but the following list represents the most common concerns.

  • Pediatric flatfoot
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Congenital defects
  • Plantar warts
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Fractures
  • Sever’s disease

This last condition is worth exploring further since it’s unique to children. Sever’s disease, which is medically known as calcaneal apophysitis, is caused by inflammation in the growth plate in your child’s heel. Growth plates are located throughout your child’s body at the ends of long bones, and it’s this tissue that’s responsible for your child’s growth. Growth plates aren’t as strong as bones, but they do eventually evolve into bone.

With Sever’s disease, there’s too much repetitive stress on the growth plate in their heels. The condition typically affects children with active growth plates between the ages of 8 and 14.  

What are the signs that your child may have a foot problem?

It’s hard to keep track of your child as they develop as they seem to change from one day to the next. That said, there are certain warning flags you should be on the lookout for, which may signal a problem in their feet, such as:

  • The inability to keep up or fatiguing easily, which is a sign of flat feet
  • Heel pain
  • Excessive clumsiness

Your child may not be forthcoming about any discomfort, for fear of being “dragged to the doctor,” so closely monitor any sudden disinterest in activities they used to enjoy. Or they may attempt to hide their feet if they have a problem. 

How are problems in children’s feet diagnosed and treated?

When you first come in, a podiatrist sits down with you and your child to assess the situation and review the symptoms. Once they have a better idea of the problem, they perform a physical evaluation and use whatever diagnostic tools are appropriate. Thankfully, North Central Texas Foot & Ankle has the latest imaging technology, including digital X-rays, which means you get answers more quickly.

Once they determine the cause of the problem in your child’s feet, they tailor a treatment program that will relieve the discomfort and encourage fast healing so that your child’s development stays on track.

If your child is having problems with their feet, call North Central Texas Foot & Ankle or request a consultation using the online booking feature.