Pediatric Foot & Ankle Care

Ingrown Toenails: This can present as an infection on the child’s toe. The edge of the nail grows down and into the skin. Treatments include soaking the toe, wider shoe gear or a minor office procedure to remove the ingrowing nail border.

• Plantar Warts: Approximately 10-20% of children in the US are affected. Various treatment options exist including over the counter topicals, laser therapies, surgical excision, as well as more aggressive Bleomycin therapy–all of which are performed under our doctor’s supervision.
• Flat Feet: This presents as feet with low or no arches. Feet may appear to be rolled in. Pediatric flat feet fall under two categories, flexible and rigid. Most flat feet that are asymptomatic do not need further intervention except for supportive shoe inserts, but symptomatic flat feet need a thorough examination to rule out congenital conditions.
• Heel Pain: Heel pain presents differently in children than adults. Children usually complain of pain when running or during activity and the heel hurts when it is squeezed. This is usually the result of inflammation of the growth plate and tightness within the Achilles tendon.
• Injuries/Sprains/Fractures: Fractures are different in children compared to adults because of the presence of growth plates. Growth plates consist of cartilage cells that eventually transform into solid bone as the child grows. Fractures seen in children are more commonly incomplete fractures because their periosteum is stronger and thicker compared to adults.
• Accessory Navicular: This is a congenital condition which results in an extra bone or piece of cartilage which is located on the inner side of the foot just above the arch. This piece of bone is incorporated into the posterior tibial tendon which attaches there. It is common for symptoms to first appear during adolescence.
• Juvenile Bunion: This is a hereditary condition which is similar to an adult bunion but is seen much earlier in life. Conservative treatment includes supportive shoe gear, custom orthotics, icing, anti-inflammatory medication, padding/strapping, and taping.
• Tarsal Coalitions: This occurs when there is an abnormal union between two or more tarsal bones which causes restricted or absent motion between the bones. Some signs and symptoms include pain, flat feet, rigidity and stiffness, and muscle spasms.

We understand the absolute need for our children to be comfortable and we are committed to doing our best to help them be at ease during their office visit. We take our time during clinical evaluation to produce the right diagnosis. We also look to appropriate imaging when needed. We offer both nonsurgical and surgical options for pediatric care. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call The Foot and Ankle Clinic of Albuquerque, P.C.