Foot problems are not limited to adults and seniors. Foot and ankle issues among children are common and often have subtle symptoms that can easily go unnoticed without careful examination. Luckily, prompt diagnosis from a podiatrist and early intervention can lead to a higher quality healing process and faster recovery for developing feet. Here are a few signs you should look out for.

When Should Your Child See a Podiatrist?

1. Foot Pain

Foot pain is never normal. Developing feet can get injured easily, especially during sports or play. Any activity that involves abrupt pivots or excessive pressure on a bone can result in sprains and fractures. It can be difficult to assess the injury without proper medical care. If your child complains about foot pain or is experiencing swelling that lasts more than a few days, make an appointment with the podiatrist.  

2. Gait Problems 

Complications with the feet are often reflected in a child's gait. This could lead to plantar warts and heel pain and could cause a child to distribute their weight disproportionally, affecting the way they walk. When a child's foot doesn't function as it should, you may notice your child developmentally falling behind their peers. 

3. Visible Deformity 

Some deformities are present at birth while others develop over time. Flat feet are a common childhood deformity where arches don't develop normally and the base foot touches the ground almost completely. Club foot will present as a foot that looks bent out of shape. A child's legs may even be uneven in length with underdeveloped calf muscles. These issues could be treated with physical therapy, orthotics, or arch supports. Without proper care from a podiatrist, these issues can cause chronic pain and complex orthopedic issues into adulthood. 

If you suspect your child has a foot problem, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Gloversville, NY, is a full-service acute care hospital and nursing home facility serving Fulton County and its surrounding communities. This medical care site combines innovative medical technology and the highest qualified professionals to create a family-oriented, all-encompassing local health care facility. Their wide variety of services include everything from baby delivery and rehabilitative medicine to podiatry and cardiology, all fueled by the mission to improve the health of the local residents in a compassionate, contemporary environment. To learn more about their extensive health services, visit the website. For questions, call (518) 725-8621.