Childhood Foot Conditions
As early as birth, foot complications can present themselves in children. Some complications, such as flatfoot and ingrown toenails, can be inherited or caused in the womb. Others can occur as children begin their walk through life, from the occasional fall to an injury suffered playing a sport. No matter the cause or severity of the problem, the health of a child’s feet should not be taken for granted.
However, according to an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) survey of parents with children under the age of 18, 35 percent said that they would not be motivated to take their child to a doctor’s office for foot or leg pain treatment. Furthermore, only 25 percent of those surveyed would take their child to see a podiatrist—a foot and ankle specialist.
Foot & Ankle Care Associates can help make sure your child stays on his/her feet by offering expert medical diagnosis and treatment options for all issues associated with the feet. If there is a family history of foot problems, a toddler should be seen by a podiatrist who can make sure his/her feet are progressing normally, as soon as the child begins walking.
The following chart details common inherited and developmental foot complications in children, possible signs and symptoms and treatment options.
| Complication | Sign(s) & Symptom(s) | Podiatrist Recommended Treatments |
| Clubfoot |
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| Metatarsus Adductus (MTA) |
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| Polydactyly (Multiple Toes) |
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| Syndactyly (Webbed Toes) |
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| Flatfoot |
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| In-toeing |
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| Achilles Tendonitis |
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| Stress fracture |
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| Sever’s disease |
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| Toe-Walkers |
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| Toe-Walkers |
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| Plantar fasciitis |
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| Ankle/Foot fracture |
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| Ankle sprain |
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| Plantar Warts |
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