Child Foot Disorders

What are child foot disorders?

Child foot disorders include congenital (present at birth) and acquired abnormalities or injuries of the toe, foot, or ankle. These conditions can occur in babies, children, and teenagers and are often painful or debilitating without proper treatment.

What are common child foot disorders?

Common types of foot disorders that occur in children include:

• Flatfoot or high-arched feet
• Hooked foot
• Club foot
• Heel disorders
• Cartilage or bone overgrowth
• Bunions
• Hammertoes and mallet toes
• Missing toes, claw toe, or extra toes
• Missing or short bones
• Other bone disorders
• Muscle imbalance abnormalities
• In-toeing 
• Toe walking
• Knock knees
• Bowlegs
• Foot, leg, or toe pain

Child foot disorders include bone, muscle, cartilage, tendon, or ligament issues that cause pain or affect your child’s ability to walk, run, and jump.

What causes child foot disorders?

If your child has a foot disorder, it could be because of genetics or conditions present at birth. Causes of acquired child foot issues include growth plate trauma, joint surface trauma, fractures, and neuromuscular abnormalities. 

How does a doctor diagnose child foot disorders?

To find out if your child has a foot disorder, the Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery specialists review their symptoms and medical history. They complete a physical examination and evaluate the way your child moves their legs, feet, and toes, as well as how they walk, run, and jump.

Your specialist may recommend your child undergo blood tests, X-rays, or other imaging procedures to make a diagnosis and develop an effective treatment.

What are common child foot disorder treatments?

Based on the type and severity of foot disorder your child has, their provider might suggest one of the following treatments:

• Fracture care
• Bracing
• Casting
• Physical therapy
• Surgery

Types of foot surgery include bone and soft tissue reconstruction, tissue removal, bone fusion, and gradual correction with external fixation. Your specialist personalizes each foot disorder treatment to improve your child’s mobility and quality of life.

If a loved one experiences child foot disorders, call Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery to schedule an appointment or book one online today.