Get the Fact on Your Foot or Ankle Condition in Our Podiatry FAQ

It isn’t uncommon for a parent to wonder “Is my child walking funny?” For us to accurately answer this question, you should bring your child in to see one of our podiatrists. In most instances, everything is okay, but it is always better to err on the side of caution. Here are some of the signs you might want to be on the lookout for:

• Intoeing – This is a fairly common condition where a child’s feet point inward. The causes for this include curved feet and inward twisting of either a shin or thigh bone.
• Out-toeing – Not as common as intoeing, this condition is essentially the opposite (child’s feet point outward).
• Flatfoot – The foot arch plays an integral role in every step, so logic dictates than an abnormal arch height can possibly impact a child’s gait.
• Sever’s disease – This condition develops during adolescence when the heel bone is fully grown before the Achilles tendon. Your son or daughter may alter how he or she walks to avoid pain.
• Toe Walking – Walking more on the toes or ball of the foot.  The normal gait is heel to toe.  A tight Achilles tendon can cause toe walking.

In certain instances, these issues resolve themselves over time, but you may want to check with us. Give us a call at 407-339-7759 or 352-589-9550 (in Lake County) or request an appointment with any of our five Florida offices by using our online request form.

 

If you are a new parent wondering when should a child start to wear shoes, the general guideline is that shoes really aren’t necessary until your son or daughter starts walking. When your little one does begin to walk, choose shoes that are lightweight, breathable and comfortable right away.  For children that are new to walking, look for shoes with a smooth bottom to help prevent slips and falls. It’s important to find shoes that are accommodating to your child’s feet as they grow and develop during their first few years of life. 

For more information on child foot care, either contact us online or give us a call at 407-339-7759 or 352-589-9550 (if calling from Lake County). Our staff will be glad to answer any questions you have regarding foot care or assist you in setting up an appointment with any of our Florida offices – Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Kissimmee, and Tavares.

Sever’s disease is the leading cause of adolescent heel pain. Not many people are actually familiar with the condition, however. Also known as calcaneal apophysis, Sever’s is not actually a disease, nor is it an injury. Instead, this is a condition that develops when the heel bone (calcaneus)—more specifically, a growth plate found in the back of the bone—reaches physical maturity before the Achilles tendon.

Because of a fully-developed heel bone and still-growing Achilles tendon, there is a painful tugging in the back of the heel. This pain can then be exacerbated by physical activity.

Sever’s disease goes away on its own over time, and without leading to any long-term issues, so treatment is centered on managing the painful symptoms (as opposed to correcting the condition). We have various options at our disposal to help your son or daughter find the relief they need. This is important because if your child starts altering the way he or she walks (on account of the pain or discomfort) it could lead to other issues.

For more information, or effective heel pain treatment, contact Foot & Ankle Associates of Florida. Call us at 407-339-7759 or 352-589-9550 (if you call from Lake County) or request an appointment with any of our five Florida offices online today.