Why Should My Child See a Podiatrist?

The significance of foot health for a growing child is hard to overstate. As they evolve from their first tentative steps to enthusiastic leaps, bounds, and kicks on the soccer field, their feet bear the brunt of numerous challenges. 

The formative years can present a variety of foot conditions, and kids engaged in sports activities are often at risk for both overuse and sudden injuries. Fortunately, proactive parent involvement coupled with regular visits to a podiatrist can play a key role in safeguarding your child's foot health, ensuring a robust foundation for their active lives.

At Precision Foot and Ankle Center in West Bloomfield, Michigan, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Angela Jacob provides comprehensive, individualized pediatric and adult care. Dr. Jacob employs a wide range of techniques to analyze, diagnose, and manage your child’s foot and ankle health needs.

Understanding the importance of healthy feet in children

Our feet are the foundation of our bodies, carrying us from place to place and supporting our weight. This is especially true for children, whose feet are still growing and developing. Any abnormalities or problems in their feet can affect their walking or running and could potentially lead to issues in their knees, hips, or back.

Children's feet grow rapidly during the first year and continue to change shape until they're about 18. Regular visits to a podiatrist can ensure that their feet are developing normally, and any potential issues can be spotted and treated early.

Recognizing common pediatric foot conditions

Children can experience a range of foot conditions, many of which are treatable with early detection and intervention. Some of these conditions include flat feet, in-toeing or out-toeing, heel pain, warts, ingrown toenails, and sports injuries. Dr. Jacob specializes in identifying and treating these issues, preventing them from causing long-term damage or pain.

Early detection and treatment

Identifying early signs of foot disorders in children plays a key role in their foot and ankle health for years to come. For instance, Dr. Jacob can recognize if your child’s foot arch is developing improperly or if their feet are incorrectly aligned when they walk or run. By catching and addressing these issues early on, Dr. Jacob can help prevent further complications down the road.

Additionally, Dr. Jacob can treat common childhood foot conditions like plantar warts, athlete's foot, and ingrown toenails, and provide treatments that are safe and effective for children, reducing the discomfort and preventing the conditions from worsening or spreading.

Sports injuries in children

For children who are active in sports, a pediatric podiatrist is a key player in injury prevention and recovery. Sports-related foot and ankle injuries are common in children and teenagers. 

Dr. Jacob can provide guidance on proper footwear, stretching techniques, and overall foot care to help minimize the risk of injuries. If injuries occur, Dr. Jacob can diagnose and treat them, helping your child get back on their feet as soon as possible.

Providing guidance on proper footwear for children

Dr. Jacob can also provide guidance on the best types of shoes for children at various stages of development, and recommend shoes that provide the right support, fit properly, and are appropriate for specific activities. This can prevent problems like blisters, corns, calluses, and general foot discomfort.

Ensuring long-term foot health

Regular visits to a pediatric podiatrist can help ensure your child's long-term foot health. By addressing issues early on, a podiatrist can help prevent future foot, ankle, or lower leg problems that could impact your child's quality of life.

Foot health, though often overlooked, plays a critical role in a child's overall development and well-being. Regular visits to a pediatric podiatrist are an essential part of preventive health care. Don't wait for a problem to emerge before seeking advice. 

To get started, call us at Precision Foot and Ankle care at 248-778-8187 to schedule your child for a visit with Dr. Jacob. Your proactive approach today can pave the way for your child's healthy and active future.