At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group PC we know that our youngest patients can be a bit tricky to diagnose and treat. Many times children are unable to articulate what’s bothering them. Parents have to be on the lookout for signs of a foot or ankle problem. If you notice your child is avoiding physical activities he or she normally enjoys this can be a sign of foot pain. Walking on heels or tip toe as well as tripping or falling frequently can also point to a foot disorder. Below are some common foot issues that occur frequently in children:
Flat Feet: although common in infants and toddlers due to baby fat and an undeveloped arch, flat feet in children over the age of three should be evaluated.
Pigeon-toe: child walks with toes pointing inward.
Out-toe: child’s toes point out when walking (duck walk).
Overlapping toes: can be a hereditary problem. It’s important to catch this condition in its early stages when it can be corrected non-surgically.
Warts: raised bump on the skin with small black “pinpoints” in the center are the telltale characteristics of a wart.
Athlete’s foot: extremely itchy, dry red skin, sometimes with blistering are the key signs of this infection. Athlete’s foot usually starts between the toes.
Ingrown toenail: a nail that curves down and starts to grow into the skin around the nail bed, this condition is quite painful and can allow infection-causing bacteria a chance to enter the body.
Fungal toenail: a fungal infection that affects the toenails leaving them brittle, peeling and discolored.
Our podiatrists, Dr. Russell Caprioli, Dr. Mary Ann Bilotti, Dr. John Haight, and Dr. Marzana Mleczko are experts in podiatric foot health. If you suspect that your child may have something wrong with his or her toes, feet or ankles, contact our Valley Stream or Lake Success office for an appointment as soon as possible.