Youth Podiatry Services

Most podiatry patients are older adults. However, we also treat younger patients who are suffering from problems with their feet. While uncommon in young children, once they start to play sports or get a job, older children and teens often have feet problems.

WHY YOUTH SUFFER FROM FOOT PAIN

One of the most common challenges that youth face with regards to their feet is that they are constantly growing. Children can grow incredibly fast and growth spurts often create a situation where they are wearing shoes that are far too tight without realizing it. This is common with high-heels and also with things like athletic shoes and cleats. The problem is that when a foot is forced into too small of an environment, it can put pressure on various bones, toes and toenails. This extra pressure can lead to deformities and serious discomfort in addition to infections.

Busy teens that play sports or go to the gym may not take care of their hygiene as well as they should. Failing to wash feet after they have become hot and sweaty or exposing them to locker room environments can lead to things like athlete's foot, warts and skin diseases.

More and more youth are also struggling from health conditions that used to only be associated with adults. Diabetes, for example, is on the rise in children and diabetics routinely suffer from foot problems throughout the course of their life.

We also treat children and teens that have broken a bone in their foot. With an aggressive and active play, this can happen on the playground, during PE, on the soccer field or even when jumping out of the tree house at home. We specialize in the treatment of feet and help to put patients on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

PODIATRY SERVICES CAN HELP

We offer a variety of services designed to improve the health and functionality of the feet, including:

Ingrown toenail treatments
Setting broken feet or toes
Treating skin infections
Arch supports
Diabetic foot care

We make treatment recommendations and go over all available options after examining a patient.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To keep a child and teen's feet in good condition as they grow, be sure to inspect their shoes every couple of months. Do not go longer than two months without doing so because it is unclear when a growth spurt will hit. Have them put their shoes on and stand up straight then touch their toes to see if they have enough space between the tip of their toe and the end of the shoe. The feet need at least half an inch to allow for breathing room.

Also, help them to cut their toenails straight across so they do not suffer from ingrown toenails. When combined with supervising their daily hygiene routine, you can help to prevent many of the issues we see in our podiatry office.