Sue Turner, D.P.M
I am a podiatrist (foot doctor) based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Since 1991 I have had the privilege of treating people and their foot problems - I've seen over 18,000 pair. Wow, that is a lot of feet, and a lot of people attached to those feet! I love every challenge that comes my way and have a keen interest in attempting to solve what appear to be unsolvable problems for people. Sometimes people come in limping and they leap away!
Children
Children rarely need to be treated for foot problems. The most common problems are listed below.
Warts
Very common in children and they tend to disappear eventually. Be patient. If they are painful or are spreading extensively, they should be evaluated and treated.
Ingrown toenails
Very common in young teens. This is often related to sports activities and is worsened by lack of proper attention. If the nail border is infected the best treatment is to have the nail border removed. This can usually be done (by a professional) without anesthetic (or with anesthetic if it is preferred). Sometimes, the nail border must be removed permanently to prevent a recurring problem. This can be done (under local anesthetic) in a podiatrist's office. It is a very specialized procedure and in the right hands is highly successful.
Flatfeet
Most children have flat feet up until the age of 7 or 8. The arch is developing over the early years. This problem does not usually need to be treated unless there are symptoms. The most common symptoms would be heel pain, knee pain and development of bunions or deformities. Early development of bunions should be evaluated and treated immediately. Wearing good running shoes combined with either arch supports or custom orthotics are the optimal treatment options. If parents are worried that their children may develop problems based on family history it's wise to have them checked.
Foot Pain
If a child complains of foot pain, it should be investigated. If the pain is associated with disability (limping) or a reduction in activity level, it must be treated. If there is also swelling or warmth in the painful area, it is possibly an emergency and should receive medical treatment immediately.
Intoeing
When a child walks with the toes pointed in (pigeon-toed) it is usually a concern to the parents. Most intoeing is caused by internal rotation at the hips. Some intoeing is related to internal rotation of the tibia (lower leg bone) and rarely is it related to a foot deformity. Most of these problems will be outgrown by the time the child is 7 or 8. The tendency to intoe is usually associated with a preference to sit on the legs with the hips and knees rotated in and feet rotated out. This position is most comfortable for a child who intoes. They should be encouraged to sit on their bums instead with the legs crossed in front. This will help to stretch the tight hip ligaments. If the intoeing is severe, an exercise program could be designed by a physiotherapist (good luck getting a child to maintain a regular exercise program). If a podiatrist feels that the intoeing is harming the feet, they may suggest arch supports or orthotics. Minor intoeing, even if it persists lifelong does not usually lead to any problems. More serious intoeing, if untreated, can lead to severe pronation problems, bunions and difficulty participating in physical activities. See a professional who specializes in biomechanics and understands the developmental progress of children.
Other
This is a very brief overview. Almost any problems can occur in children. If you have been told by a medical practitioner that a foot or lower extremity problem should not be treated, you might want to consider seeing a podiatrist for a second opinion. Podiatrists tend to be more proactive when treating children's foot problems.
The Singing
Podiatrist
604-736-1910
943 W. Broadway, Suite 530
WHAT IS A FOOT DOCTOR? >
A foot doctor is a medical specialist who treats feet. Any foot problem (and some knee, hip and back problems) can be evaluated and treated by a podiatrist. More...
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