We specialize in Children's Feet Too! Some of the most common ailments we see are the following:
1. Pediatric flat feet
Small sizes, big benefits. Our clinic offers a complete line of biomechanical devices that address all the conditions unique to pediatric patients.
Colorful top covers are available. Often substituted as a top cover on one of our Standard Flex or Sports devices.
3 common types of children orthotics
1. Roberts Whitman Orthotics- vacuum-formed polypropylene. For the severely pronated pediatric patient, 2-4 years old. This device is made with a high medical flange and a lateral rear-foot clip. Biomechanical Indications: Severe Pronation, Severe Heel Eversion, Severe Forefoot Deformities
2. Gait Plate Orthotics- Out-Toe Gait: Use the out-toe gait plate to promote out-toeing. It has a lateral edge extending to the metatarsal heads with the first and second metatarsal areas cut out. In-Toe Gait: Prescribe the in-toe gait plate to the metatarsal heads with the fourth and fifth metatarsal areas cut out. Biomechanical Indications: Metatarsalgia, Bunions, Plantar Fasciitis, All Rearfoot and Forefoot Deformaties
3. UCBL Orthotics- Vacuum-formed polypropylene. For young patients that require both a high medial and lateral flange with a deep heel cup. Biomechanical Indications: Severe Pronation, Severe Heel Eversion, Severe Forefoot Deformities
2. Warts
Plantar warts are a skin growth caused by a viral infection called the human papillomavirus, or HPV. The growth form on the bottom of the foot and are solid and grainy or bumpy in appearance. Also known as verruca plantaris or simply verruca, plantar warts typically form at the heel, toe, or ball of the foot. Pressure in these areas often forces the wart to grow inward instead of outward.
The main symptom of plantar warts is the growth itself. Plantar warts are usually:
- Small, with a rough or grainy texture
- White, gray, or tan in color, often with black pinpoints (sometimes called wart seeds)
- Hard when they grow inward
- Located near or on a callus
Your child may also feel pain or tenderness in the area around the plantar wart, particularly when standing or walking.
Plantar warts may also form in a cluster. These are sometimes referred to as mosaic warts.
To Read More on Plantar Warts in Children
3. Sever's Disease- Kid's Heel Pain
Heel pain in children is not uncommon and can be caused by a few different issues. However, it is most likely due to Sever’s disease, Achilles tendinitis, a heel fracture, JIA, or Tendo-Achilles bursitis.
The Most Common Cause of Children's Heel Pain:
SEVER'S DISEASE (CALCANEAL APOPHYSITIS)
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, stems from a rapid growth spurt associated with childhood. As the heel bone grows at an accelerated rate, the surrounding muscles and tendons become stretched and inflamed due to this sudden growth spurt that the child has not yet adapted to yet.
Girls generally experience this growth spurt between 7 – 13 years old while boys will experience them around 10 – 15 years of age. Of course, this will depend on the individual children’s development rates.
To Read More on Pediatric Heel Pain
Bring your kids in now to get a check up before they start school in September!