Children's Foot Deformities and Treatment
People tend to associate a visit to the podiatrist with things like an ingrown toenail, but these medical specialists deal with a variety of pediatric foot deformities, as well. Glenoaks Podiatry Group in Glendale, California have the education and distinctive training to help children with foot problems overcome them. Pediatric foot deformities are often significant enough to affect the patient’s quality of life going into adulthood, if left untreated. Call our office, or book an appointment online to discuss how our doctors can help your child with any foot deformities.
Children's Foot Deformities Q & A
What types of foot deformities tend to affect children?
Pediatric foot deformities are in a different class than what adults see, in part, because for children, their bones, tendons, and muscles are still developing. A specialist in the field like the podiatrists at Glenoaks Podiatry Group can create solutions for these common problems, while paying special attention to maintaining the growth plate and allowing that development to continue unharmed.
Some common foot deformities that affect children include:
- Cavus foot
- Tarsal coalition
- Clubfoot
- Accessory navicular
- Juvenile bunion
Each one requires a specialized treatment plan to correct.
What is cavus foot?
Cavus foot is a fancy way of saying the child has a very high arch. This can cause the heel to turn inward, making the condition a progressive problem. Children with this foot deformity typically have it in both feet, as well. Over time, the patient may develop secondary conditions such calluses, ankle sprains, and stress fractures. Sometimes cavus foot may indicate a more serious neurological condition, too, such as a spinal cord tumor.
What is a tarsal coalition?
Tarsal coalition means there is an abnormal connection between key bones in the foot, specifically the ones in the mid and back part. Over time, the problem can limit foot movement, leading to complications such as ankle sprains.
What is a clubfoot?
Clubfoot is a congenital defect, meaning something present at a child’s birth, and it can affect one or both feet. With this condition, the foot is turned inward or points downward completely. It’s a deformity that is believed to develop in utero between 9 to 14 weeks gestation. It can be seen during a routine ultrasound and often corrected without surgery, which is why it is important to see a specialist like those at the Glenoaks Podiatry Group to create a care plan.
What is an accessory navicular?
This is a defect that involves extra bone growth near the navicular, an area by the arch. The bony prominence can cause pain and tenderness for kids trying to walk. Often, the doctor will need to surgically remove the extra bone.
What is a juvenile bunion?
A juvenile bunion is about the same thing as many adults experience but tends to occur in children with loose-jointed feet. Like with adults, the big toe comes out of alignment causing the joint to protrude.