Common Childhood Foot Problems and How Dulwich Podiatry Can Help

At Dulwich Podiatry, we understand that your child’s foot health is essential to their overall well-being and development.  Early intervention is crucial, as many childhood foot problems are hereditary or develop as the child grows.  By addressing these issues early, we can help correct them before they become permanent.

Understanding Normal Foot Development

When children begin to walk, it’s common for them to do so with their feet wide apart and arms outstretched for balance. During this phase, you may notice several common foot and leg alignments that are usually normal and tend to correct themselves as your child grows.

• Bow Legs: often seen in children under 18 months, bow legs cause a small gap between the knees and ankles when standing.  This condition typically resolves as the child grows.
• Knock Knees: this condition is characterised by the knees touching while the ankles remain apart when standing.  Knock knees usually correct themselves by the age of 8.
• Intoeing (Pigeon Toes): intoeing is when a child’s toes point inward.  Like knock knees, this condition often corrects itself by age 8.
• Outtoeing: outtoeing is when the feet point outward.  This condition is also common and usually resolves on its own as the child develops.
• Flat Feet: if your child has flat feet but develops an arch when standing on tiptoe, no treatment is typically necessary.  Flat feet generally resolve by the age of 6.
• Tiptoe Walking: this is common in children under 3 years of age and often resolves without intervention.

Other Common Childhood Foot Problems

While many foot issues resolve naturally, some conditions require attention from a podiatrist.  Below are some common foot problems that may need professional care:

• Heel Pain and Sever’s Disease: Sever’s disease occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel, pulls on the growth plate on the heel bone before it has changed from cartilage to bone.  This condition is common in active children and can cause significant heel pain due to strain from sports, weight gain, or rapid growth.  If your child complains of heel pain, it’s essential to consult a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Ingrown Toenails: ingrown toenails are a frequent source of discomfort for children.  They can occur due to improper nail trimming, tight shoes, picking or other trauma.  If ingrown toenails become a recurring issue, it’s important to seek professional advice to address the underlying cause and consider more permanent treatment solutions.
• Athlete’s Foot and Fungal Nail Infections: teenagers are particularly prone to fungal infections due to hormonal changes that cause increased sweating.  Environments like swimming pools, changing rooms, and moist shoes can foster the growth of fungi, leading to conditions like Athlete’s Foot and fungal nail infections.  If left untreated, these infections can become chronic and uncomfortable.
• Verrucae/Plantar Warts: verrucae, also known as plantar warts are thickened, circular growths on the soles of the feet that can be painful and often mistaken for corns or calluses.  There are various methods which can be used to treat them effectively.  If your verrucae are spreading stubborn or painful, seek professional advice.

Why Choose Dulwich Podiatry?

At Dulwich Podiatry, we are dedicated to providing the best care for your child’s feet.  Early intervention is key to preventing long-term issues, so if your child is experiencing any foot pain or discomfort, it’s important to seek professional advice as soon as possible.

Our team of experienced podiatrists is here to help diagnose, treat, and manage any foot-related issues your child may be experiencing. Click here to book an appointment and ensure your child’s feet are on the path to healthy development.