Pediatric Care Specialist

What foot and ankle issues require pediatric care?

Many pediatric foot conditions in need of treatment fall under the category of flatfoot, a condition causing the complete or partial collapse of the arch of the foot.

Flexible flatfoot

Flexible flatfoot is a condition that causes problems with the foot’s arch when you stand on it. The arch becomes smaller or disappears completely with pressure, but reappears when sitting or laying down. Children with flexible flatfoot have good joint mobility and normal muscle function. 

Flexible flatfoot often goes away around age 6 without treatment, but if the cause of your child’s flatfoot is a tight Achilles tendon, he or she will need pediatric care.

Rigid flatfoot

Rigid flatfoot tends to develop in teenagers and progresses with age. People with rigid flatfoot have no foot arches, whether they are standing or sitting. Rigid flatfoot causes difficulty when you try to flex the foot up or down, and may result in foot pain.

Pediatric tarsal coalition

Pediatric tarsal coalition is a form of rigid flatfoot in children that sometimes requires treatment. Tarsal coalition is when two bones in the back and middle of the foot, called tarsal bones, fuse together. Conservative treatment for pediatric tarsal coalition involves custom orthotics.

The experienced podiatrist team diagnoses and develops customized treatment plans for pediatric foot disorders.

What tarsal coalition symptoms require pediatric care?

If your child experiences the following tarsal coalition symptoms, you should call Advanced Foot & Ankle Center for an evaluation:

• Flatfoot
• Foot and ankle stiffness
• Easily fatigued legs
• Little movement in heel when walking
• Pain when standing or walking

Tarsal coalition symptoms usually appear between the ages of 9 and 16. Your child may complain that their foot hurts in the middle and that it gets worse with physical activity. Children may also experience calf spasms or muscle pain.

When should I see a podiatrist for pediatric care?

In addition to scheduling an appointment for tarsal coalition symptoms, you should also see a podiatrist for other issues with your child’s feet or ankles. For example, if you notice your child has flat feet, this can be a symptom of misaligned feet, which causes hyperpronation. 

Hyperpronation causes the ankles to roll in and if untreated, hyperpronation causes other complications and symptoms, including:

• Back pain
• Bunions
• Flat feet
• Foot pain
• Hammertoe
• Hip pain
• Knee pain

If your child has flat feet or complains of back, feet, or knee pain, call Advanced Foot & Ankle Center or schedule an appointment online for a diagnosis and a customized pediatric treatment plan.