Pediatric Foot Care Specialist

What is pediatric foot care?

Pediatric foot care diagnoses, treats, and prevents foot-related health problems in children and teenagers. Children experience many of the same foot and ankle problems as adults, but because their bodies are still growing, they often encounter different symptoms.

If your child regularly complains of foot pain or foot problems negatively affect their ability to play sports, spend time with friends, or remain physically active, make an appointment at North Texas Foot & Ankle as soon as possible.

What are some common issues pediatric foot care treats?

At North Texas Foot & Ankle, pediatric foot care treats various problems, including:

Plantar warts

Plantar warts are small, flesh-colored bumps that occur on the weight-bearing areas of the feet like the balls and heels. A strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes them, and they are contagious.

Plantar warts are annoying, but they’re also easy to treat. Dr. Hausenfluke can freeze them off using CO2, or he can remove them surgically.

Flat feet

If your child has no visible arches, they might have flat feet. Many children outgrow flat feet, but in some cases, they cause foot and leg pain or lead to difficulty walking. Dr. Hausenfluke can evaluate your child’s arches and determine if they need treatment. Custom orthotics or Superfeet® insoles may be enough to provide significant relief. 

Heel pain

Heel pain is common in teenagers, particularly those who participate in sports or activities that require running and jumping. Some of the most common causes of heel pain in kids are Sever’s disease, Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis. 

Ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toe grows into the skin, instead of out and away from it. This causes pain and, in some instances, infection. Teenagers are especially susceptible to ingrown toenails because they often go through growth spurts. When combined with tight or ill-fitting shoes, or sports injuries, ingrown toenails are more likely to occur. 

What happens during a pediatric foot care appointment?

No two pediatric foot care appointments are exactly alike. Dr. Hausenfluke tailors treatment to your child’s individual needs. 

First, he reviews your child’s medical history, asks about their symptoms and lifestyle, and physically examines their feet, toes, and ankles. Depending on the reason for your child’s visit, he might also have them perform a series of strength or range-of-motion exercises.

After gathering this information, Dr. Hausenfluke orders a diagnostic ultrasound or X-rays to collect detailed images of your child’s bones, joints, and soft tissue structures. 

Once he pinpoints the source of your child’s discomfort, Dr. Hausenfluke develops a custom care plan. This may include conservative treatments like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol), over-the-counter or injectable medication, or bracing or splinting.

If your child needs surgery, Dr. Hausnefluke can perform a minimally invasive, outpatient operation.

To explore pediatric foot care further, schedule an appointment at North Texas Foot & Ankle. Book a consultation online, or call the office nearest you today.