Children and teens can benefit from professional foot care just like adults. A podiatrist can spot potential developmental issues early on and recommend corrective measures for treating the problem before it becomes more serious. A podiatrist can also help kids heal and recover from sports injuries. At Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland, our experienced and caring podiatrists provide pediatric foot care in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD.

Pediatric Foot Conditions

The skilled podiatrists at our offices in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, treat an array of pediatric foot conditions, including acute injuries and developmental issues. Some foot problems that commonly affect kids include:

Sports Injuries: Foot and ankle injuries are always a possibility when participating in athletic activities. Kids who play certain sports, such as soccer or basketball, often have a higher risk of injury due to the nature of those sports and the sudden changes in movement and direction. A podiatrist can ensure kids heal properly from a foot or ankle injury sustained during sports and are ready to return to athletic play. The doctor can also make recommendations regarding proper footwear or protective padding to help prevent injuries.

Heel Pain: Children and teens can develop pain and discomfort in the heels for a variety of reasons. It is important to see a podiatrist for a diagnosis of the problem so it can be treated properly. Left untreated, heel pain could become progressively worse and lead to other foot and ankle problems. Some causes of heel pain in kids include plantar fasciitis, growth spurts of the Achilles tendon, or a condition known as Sever’s disease.

Flat Feet: Babies are all born with flat feet, but the arches usually begin developing at two or three years of age when kids are walking around on their own. For some kids, the arches might not develop until they are a little older. If the arches don’t develop and the feet remain flat, it is not unusual for the ankles to turn inward. This will not necessarily cause any problems but can cause discomfort or pain for some kids. Our knowledgeable podiatrists can recommend specific options for alleviating discomfort and improving foot function.

Whatever type of foot or ankle issue your child is experiencing, our foot and ankle specialists can help. For pediatric foot care, schedule an appointment with one of the compassionate podiatrists at our offices in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, by calling Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland at (301) 924-5044.