Children’s feet are very different to adult feet.
When a child is born not all the bones in the foot have fully developed resulting in the foot being very flexible. This changes as your child gets older and as a result walking and the alignment of the foot and leg will often look different to a normal adult at different stages of development.
Some differences in walking are normal are some are not. A lot of these differences will correct themselves as your child gets older, but some can persist into adulthood. It is important to have children’s foot and leg assessed if you have any concerns to prevent complications later in life.
Common Problems with Children's Feet
Intoeing (Pigeon Toes)
Pigeon Toed Walking or in-toed gait is common in younger children.
Plantar Warts
Warts are more common in kids as these are more common in sweaty feet and are often picked up at the pool.
Toe-Walking
Toe walking is common in young children, but if persistent, it may indicate underlying concerns.
Heel Pain (Severs Disease)
Heel Pain or Severs Disease commonly occurs in children between the ages of 8 to 14
Flat Feet
Flat feet are common in children. Determining whether this will be problematic long term is important to prevent complications
Curly Toes
Curly toes are a condition where the toes are curled inward, often causing discomfort.
Arch Pain
Curly toes are a condition where the toes are curled inward, often causing discomfort.
Metatarsus Adductus
This is a common alignment change with kids commonly seen with club foot.
Knock Knees
Knock knees occur when a child's knees touch while standing, causing misalignment of the legs.
Bow Legs
Bow legs cause the legs to curve outward, which is common in infants and toddlers.
Ingrown toenails
Ingrown Toenails are particularly common in teenagers due to sweaty feet and time spent in shoes.
Ball of the foot pain
Pain in the forefoot, often due to growth-related conditions.
Tarsal Coalition
This is an abnormal connectin that develops between two bones in back of the foot
Freiberg's Infraction
Affects adolescents, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
Kohler's Disease
A rare condition causing pain and swelling in the midfoot due to bone inflammation.
Awkward Running or Walking
Unusual gait patterns in children may indicate developmental issues or musculoskeletal conditions
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Foot or ankle pain affects more than just your steps, it impacts your whole body.
At AFOC, we go beyond basic podiatry with thorough assessments and tailored treatment to help you move better, sooner.