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A pediatric foot doctor in Studio City can be a valuable asset to your child’s health and development. By contacting our office, you are entrusting your child’s growing and fragile bones and muscles to a top podiatrist in the field. Your pediatric foot doctor in Studio City also has the ability to make your child feel comfortable and cared for during their appointment.
Infants and children often experience congenital or developmental problems of their feet. It is vital to treat these problems or permanent deformities can develop that will plague the child throughout life. Podiatrists that specialize in treating infants and children diagnosis and treat these problems.
Metatarsus Adductus
Metatarsus adductus is one of the most common congenital foot problems, affecting around one per thousand infants. It can be diagnosed at birth. Under this condition, the bones between the toes and the arch are displaced inwards. Parents can treat this condition at home by regularly performing a special stretching exercise that can be demonstrated by a pediatric podiatrist. Around 90 percent of cases resolve during the first year of life. Infants with severe, rigid forms of metatarsus adductus may require bracing and casting in order to correct the problem. If not corrected, this condition can lead to the development of hammertoes and bunions.
Clubfoot
Clubfoot also affects around one per thousand infants. It is usually diagnosed at birth. The foot is rotated inwards with a small heel and a tight, inflexible Achilles tendon. Clubfoot can usually be treated by casting applied immediately after birth; the casts need to be changed weekly. If the clubfoot does not respond to the regimen of casting, a pediatric podiatrist may recommend surgery at age six to nine months.
Calc aneovalgus
This deformity affects five percent of infants. The foot is hyperflexed, pulled up and outwards by excessively tight calf muscles. It is usually easily diagnosed at birth. Most cases respond to a regimen of special stretches, administered at home by the parents after a pediatric podiatrist demonstrates them. If the stretches do not work, splinting or casting may be necessary.
Flexible Flatfoot
Flexible flatfoot is a common condition of children. It is usually first noticed by parents around age two or three years but can be diagnosed earlier by a pediatric podiatrist. The inside arch of the foot collapses and the foot rolls inward. The flatfoot defect alters the child’s gait, causing the child to twist the leg and knee inward with each step. Children with flatfoot often experience foot, ankle, knee, and back pain. The defect appears to run in families and is associated with lax ligaments in the feet. It is essential to diagnose and correct the problem at a young age while the foot is still primarily composed of cartilage or the child may end up with a permanent flatfoot and its associated health problems. Treatment usually requires orthotics to support the foot in a more natural position. In severe cases that do not respond to orthotics, the pediatric podiatrist may recommend surgery.
Toe Walking
Toe walking in children can be due to neuromuscular problems, cerebral palsy, a contracted Achilles tendon, or tight calf muscles. If the condition is due to tight calf muscles or a contracted tendon, the pediatric podiatrist can prescribe a regimen of stretching exercises. Most cases of toe walking will resolve satisfactorily.
In-Toeing
By age two years, children should be walking with their feet facing straight forward. Children who walk with their toes turned inwards are at greater risk of tripping and may place abnormal stresses on their growing feet. A pediatric podiatrist should evaluate all cases of in-toeing. Treatments may include special shoes and stretching exercises.
Poorly Fitting Shoes
Parents often pay little attention to the fit of shoes in infants and young children. However, poorly fitting shoes during childhood can lead to permanent foot deformities, ingrown toenails, poor posture, and knee problems. Money is often a factor; because children’s feet grow rapidly, they constantly need new shoes. Consequently, many parents buy shoes that are too large or make the child wear shoes that are too small, in order to reduce the number of pairs needed. Fashion is another problem; instead of focusing on good fit and function, parents may buy the type of shoe that is currently trendy. A pediatric podiatrist can provide tips to parents on how to identify properly constructed and properly fitted shoes. Some shoe shops also have experienced fitters on staff who can measure the child’s feet and help select a proper pair.
Foot Odors
The feet of infants and young children perspire more than the feet of adults, and the excessive perspiration can lead to bacterial growth and a strong odor. Wearing shoes made out of breathable materials, changing socks often, and washing the child’s feet and shoe inserts daily can help. In some cases, smelly feet may be a sign of a more severe problem, such as an infection or a hormonal balance. Parents concerned about their child’s foot odors should consult a pediatric foot doctor in Studio City for evaluation and advice.
When to Consult a Pediatric Foot Doctor in Studio City
Children who have uneven shoe wear or complain of foot pain can benefit from a visit to a pediatric podiatrist. Uneven or abnormal gait and frequent tripping and falling can also be signs of foot problems in children. The child’s regular pediatrician should examine the feet at every check-up. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of any problems are essential to ensure the child’s feet develop properly.
Contact our office today to learn more about our diagnostic process and treatment options for babies and young children. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have and to schedule a consultation to see a pediatric foot doctor in Studio City. Whether you are choosing to see a podiatrist for your child or your child’s pediatrician has suggested that you seek a podiatrist’s opinion, we are here to assist you.
