Pediatrics & Children’s Feet Present a Different Set of Problems to the Podiatrist.
Some of the common problems that are found in children include calcaneovalgus, clubfoot, tibial torsion and fungal problems. Congenital deformities, ingrown nails, dermatologic problems, injuries to growth plates and verrucae (warts) are also fairly common.
A Few of Ailments Associated with the Feet of Children
Calcaneovalgus
This condition is often noticeable prior to walking. The foot is obviously rotated out and the ankle appears turned in. This can usually be treated with serial casting (using a series of casts to mold the foot back into proper position), night bracing, and orthotic management.
Clubfoot (Talipes equino varus)
Clubfoot is more severe than calcaneovalgus, but often can also be treated with casting. More resistant cases may require surgical intervention. The ankle appears turned out, and the foot is rotated inward and downward.
Tibial torsion
This problem is usually noticed after walking commences. Otherwise known as in-toeing or “pigeon-toed”, the lower leg is rotated inward. Serial casts, splinting, and orthotics are effective modalities to treat this problem.
Flat feet (Congenital pes plano valgus)
Children that complain of tired feet, or those that appear to collapse at the arch often require simple non-invasive measures to correct the problem. In many cases the flatfoot is “physiologic”, and the child may “grow out of it”. However, the problem should be managed with orthotic devices to avoid “wear and tear” on surrounding joints. In some cases operative intervention may be considered.
Fungal problems
Many new antifungal agents are avalable that are SAFE and effective. Lamisil (TM) has been available for a several years and has shown excellent efficacy. Awareness of fungal problems has increased dramatically among patients and physicians. Typically moisture, warmth, darkness, skin abnormalities and an infecting organism work in conjunction to create the infection. Commonly known as athletes foot, tinea pedis can persist for years.