When Should Children See a Podiatrist?

As much as children’s feet look like small adult feet, they’re actually much more complex than that. Children’s feet are still developing, which means that unusual signs, while they don’t automatically mean there’s an underlying issue, could indicate something worth a closer look. It’s completely normal for their feet to undergo many changes as they grow, but if there are issues, catching them early on is crucial. As a parent, it helps to know when your child should see a podiatrist. Here’s a breakdown:

Abnormal Foot Development

Many characteristics of a child’s feet may look concerning but are actually a part of their normal development. For example, through their toddler years, children have a thick pad of fat on the bottom of their feet, making them appear to have flat feet. It’s not until around age 4 that the arch begins to develop. If your child is between the ages of 4 and 8, and they appear to be flat-footed, it’s worth visiting a podiatrist. Similarly, if your child walks mostly on their toes once they surpass ages 2 or 3, that’s also a sign that it’s time to get their feet checked. Always be on the lookout for signs of abnormal foot development, and keep their age in mind.

Signs of an Underlying Condition

Most signs of an underlying foot or ankle condition are fairly easy for parents to spot. Persistent foot or heel pain, limping or abnormal gait, in-turned feet or uneven shoe wear can all point to an issue. Even simple things like frequent ingrown toenails, calluses, plantar warts, fungal infections, or other recurring skin and nail issues are worth having checked out by a podiatrist, especially if they fail to improve over time or with over-the-counter treatments.  

Young Athletes and Dancers

Children who are involved in sports or dance put extra demands on their growing feet. Unlike adults’ growth plates, which are made of solid bone, children’s growth plates are made of soft cartilage. This makes their feet and ankles more sensitive to repetitive stress, which puts young athletes and dancers at a higher risk of injuries and foot deformities. If your child is experiencing heel pain, ankle pain or discomfort from overuse, seeing a podiatrist may help. Of course, if they experience an injury, like an ankle sprain, they need to be checked out as soon as possible.

Delayed Walking

Most children start walking between the ages of 12 and 15 months, though some can take a bit longer. If your child hasn’t started walking by 18 months—or if they’re walking in a way that appears abnormal, like favoring one side or turning their toes in—it’s worth having a podiatrist take a look. Children who haven’t started walking by 18 months could have an underlying structural, alignment or neuromuscular condition. Having them professionally evaluated can rule each one out and address developmental issues early before it affects them in the long-term.

Custom Orthotics

When a child is dealing with pain or a developmental concern, a podiatrist can evaluate them to see if custom orthotics could help. To determine whether they’re needed, a podiatrist usually observes the child’s gait, examines the structure and arch of the foot, and checks alignment through the ankle and leg. If the podiatrist deems it necessary, orthotics may be given to relieve discomfort, correct alignment issues or support healthy foot development moving forward.

As a parent, it’s not always clear whether your child needs to see a podiatrist. If any of the above signs sound familiar, it’s probably worth having them checked out. The Farmers Branch podiatrists at North Texas Foot & Ankle specialize in every type of foot and ankle condition, and we treat patients of all ages, providing expert guidance and answering questions along the way. Call (214) 574-9255 or book an appointment online at our Irving office.