Community Foot Care
Allen Guehl, DPM Belinda Dotter, DPM Adam Thomas, DPM
Pediatric Conditions
There are several conditions children suffer from when it comes to their little feet. Many children are born with foot problems that are just undiagnosed until later in life. Pediatric foot conditions that are seen most are flatfoot and heel pain. Along with warts and ingrown nails, which are treated just as an adult would be. Flatfoot and heel pain in children are treated differently to give the child comfort as they grow.
Pediatric Flatfoot
Pediatric flatfoot is generally categorized as either partial or total collapse. Partial collapse means that the arch has not fallen completely and there maybe some what of an arch left. Partial collapse is generally treated with orthotic devices to give the arch support. Total collapse is treated as asymptomatic or symptomatic.
Asymptomatic means without symptoms. The patient is not experiencing pain or discomfort. Asymptomatic patients will generally be treated with orthotic devices. Symptomatic means with pain. When pain is present for the patient, the doctor may advise activity modifications, orthotic devices, physical therapy or medication to reduce pain. In some cases surgery is needed to rebuild the arch.
Pediatric flatfoot is generally categorized as either partial or total collapse. Partial collapse means that the arch has not fallen completely and there maybe some what of an arch left. Partial collapse is generally treated with orthotic devices to give the arch support. Total collapse is treated as asymptomatic or symptomatic.
Asymptomatic means without symptoms. The patient is not experiencing pain or discomfort. Asymptomatic patients will generally be treated with orthotic devices. Symptomatic means with pain. When pain is present for the patient, the doctor may advise activity modifications, orthotic devices, physical therapy or medication to reduce pain. In some cases surgery is needed to rebuild the arch.
Pediatric Heel Pain
Heel pain is a common complaint from children. Heel pain in pediatrics differs from the normal adult pain in that adults are normally experiencing plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is most intense in the morning (those first few steps out of bed). With pediatric heel pain it is painful all the time, there is no ease in pain like with plantar fasciitis.
Heel pain is common in children because of the rapid growth in their feet. The heel bone does not fully develop or harden until about the age of 14. Until then the growth plate is weak, and stressed. This leads to heel pain. There are several causes for heel pain, best described by a podiatrist. Heel pain for children is absolutely real and should be addressed.
Common treatments for pediatric heel pain include reducing activity to take the strain off the heel. Cushion the heel or orthotic devices to support the heel, medication to dull the pain, or even physical therapy to stretch and teach the patient how to walk properly again.
Several factors play into pediatric heel pain some of the things that can help reduce the chance of developing heel pain are:
*avoid obesity
*wear shoes that support the arch and heel. Make sure the shoes are suited for the activity.
*Avoid activity beyond the child's limits.
Heel pain is a common complaint from children. Heel pain in pediatrics differs from the normal adult pain in that adults are normally experiencing plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is most intense in the morning (those first few steps out of bed). With pediatric heel pain it is painful all the time, there is no ease in pain like with plantar fasciitis.
Heel pain is common in children because of the rapid growth in their feet. The heel bone does not fully develop or harden until about the age of 14. Until then the growth plate is weak, and stressed. This leads to heel pain. There are several causes for heel pain, best described by a podiatrist. Heel pain for children is absolutely real and should be addressed.
Common treatments for pediatric heel pain include reducing activity to take the strain off the heel. Cushion the heel or orthotic devices to support the heel, medication to dull the pain, or even physical therapy to stretch and teach the patient how to walk properly again.
Several factors play into pediatric heel pain some of the things that can help reduce the chance of developing heel pain are:
*avoid obesity
*wear shoes that support the arch and heel. Make sure the shoes are suited for the activity.
*Avoid activity beyond the child's limits.