Children's Feet

Parents bring in their children with a variety of different foot conditions into our office.
Conditions can range from skin problems or orthopedic conditions. What you will find is an office environment very relaxing and calming. We have videos and toys for children to play with – making it a fun atmosphere.

What You and Your Child Can Expect
We will bring you and your child into our office examining room. We will listen to your concerns, and ask questions. Afterward an examination is done to the problem area, and it will be determined if other tests need to be conducted. Common tests include an x-ray or ultrasound, and those will be scheduled if necessary. However, sometimes all we have to do is watch your child walk. Our office has been very successful in treating pediatric conditions. Parents and children have been very happy with our treatments. If you notice a problem with your child’s feet at birth, or in the early months of his or her life, you should consult with a podiatrist. Foot issues in children may not go away and it’s important to nip the problem in the bud before it affects his or her ability to walk. Also, taking care of foot issues early on will give your child a better chance at responding to treatment. Foot care IS Important for Your Child.

Keep this in mind when thinking about your child's foot health:
• Your child may not always tell you about foot issues. Because the foot bones are flexible your child may not realize there is even an issue.
• Watch your child’s walking patterns. Do you notice a difference in the way they walk? Is their gait a little off?
• Keep the socks on your child’s small feet! If you begin this habit of walking around the sidewalks, swimming pool area, and the like barefoot, you’re opening up your child to a whole new world of fungus, viruses, and potential injury.

Growing Feet

As children are growing, so are their feet. It’s important to make sure your child is wearing the right pair of shoes, and because your child’s feet continue to develop you will more than likely have to purchase shoes and socks every few months. Keeping up with your child’s growing feet will allow room for his or her feet to grow. Also, if shoes do not fit properly on your child it could aggravate his or her feet. To get an idea of how big your child’s foot is, you should measure the child’s feet. Shoes should fit your child’s foot. We know that you may want to save money on shoes, but you should never hand down footwear. You may have gotten a pair of shoes that are your child’s size, but that does not mean the shoes will fit your child the way his or her last pair did. Also, wearing someone else’s shoes can potentially lead to the spread of athlete’s foot and nail fungus.

Remember:
• Keep a watchful eye on their feet for signs of irritation. If there is redness in any area of the foot, then that’s a sign that his or her shoe is too tight or too loose.
• Look at your child’s shoe heels. If you notice he or she is wearing through the heels of shoes much quicker than you have to purchase shoes, this could be a sign that there is a foot problem.

Common Conditions Seen In Children:

In-Toeing

In-toeing happens when one or both of the feet point inward instead of pointing straight ahead. It can also be referred to as “pigeon-toed.” Often time this condition is noticed when a child first starts walking, however, it can also be seen later on through development. Causes for this condition can be a curved foot, twisted shin, or twisted thighbone. This condition may fix itself, but it’s best to check with a podiatrist as there may be other avenues of treatment, such as casting or bracing.

Flexible Flatfoot

Flexible flatfoot occurs when the arch of the foot disappears when a child is standing. This condition can last up until the child is five years old. When a child is sitting or on tiptoes then the arch appears. However, most children outgrow this condition, but if a child is not walking properly or removes their shoes-experiencing discomfort then we may suggest shoe inserts, or orthotics. Shoes may look misshapen and broken down earlier than expected. Sometimes knee pain may result from the child not walking properly due to flat feet .

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is a common heel injury that occurs in children – especially those that are active in sports. It’s caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel and commonly occurs during a child’s growth spurt. Symptoms of pain usually occur with activity. Proper examination and x-rays are required and after a diagnosis is made we will determine the best course of treatment.

Injuries

It's important to treat injuries and infections early in children because they have softer bones ,ligaments,tendons and have open growth plates. When neglected can cause deformities that can last a lifetime.

When it doubt come to our office and have your child’s feet examined. Call today to set up an appointment.

Dr. Michael Perlstein's podiatry office is located at 4414 14th Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. He serves patients throughout the greater New York City area, including those residing in Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Dr. Perlstein's office is open Monday through Friday as well as on Sunday.