Some foot conditions are not only experienced by adults but also by children. Foot conditions that are common in children include ingrown toenails, plantar warts, flat feet, and heel pain. Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain and become infected when left untreated. Plantar warts are warts that grow on the bottom of the feet due to a viral infection. They typically appear as a circular area of thickened skin with black dots in the center and can be painful when pressure is applied to them. Flat feet are feet that have minimal or no arches in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet typically don’t cause symptoms but may require treatment if your child complains of foot or leg pain or difficulty walking. Heel pain in children can have a variety of underlying causes, including plantar fasciitis and Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease typically occurs in the growth plate of the heel and affects children who are active and 8 to 14 years of age. If your child complains of any type of foot pain, it is recommended that you take them to a chiropodist for proper treatment. 

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain in Children

While children can experience many of the same foot problems as adults do, some foot problems may be more common during childhood. 

Causes of foot pain in children can include:

• Deformities that are present from birth, such as flat feet or clubfoot

• Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone

• Various sports injuries, such as sprains and fractures 

• Ingrown toenails

• Athlete’s foot

• Plantar warts

Prevention

It is important to look after the health of children’s feet in order to prevent future problems from arising. Keep your child’s feet clean and dry, trim their toenails regularly, ensure their shoes fit properly, and keep a watchful eye on any symptoms of foot pain, such as limping. If you notice any symptoms or if your child complains of foot pain, a chiropodist can help. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.