Podopediatricians, also known as pediatric podiatrists, are healthcare professionals who specialize in the care of children's feet. They specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pediatric foot problems. They have advanced training and expertise in understanding the unique foot and lower limb problems that affect children at different stages of growth and development.
It combines elements of podiatry, which deal with the treatment of pediatric foot deformities, pediatric sports-related injuries,disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities, with pediatric medicine, which focuses on the health and well-being of children.
Theyguide on preventive measures, footwear selection, and foot care routines for children. They play a crucial role in promoting the overall foot health and well-being of pediatric patients.
Some pediatric foot conditions:
- The metatarsus adductus is where the metatarsal bones in the foot are bent or curved inward, causing the front of the foot to turn inward. It is a common foot deformity in children where the front part of the foot turns inward. It is characterized by a curved or C-shaped appearance of the foot, with the outer border of the foot appearing more convex. This condition can occur in one or both feet and is typically noticed at birth or during early childhood. The exact cause is not known but it may result from the position of the baby in the womb or a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is diagnosed through a physical examination by assessing the flexibility of the foot and looking for any associated foot abnormalities. Treatment includes stretching exercises, taping, orthotic devices, and in some cases, casting or splinting all aimed at correcting the foot position and improving function.
- Osgood-Schlatter disease, also known as OSD, is
characterized by knee pain and swelling in children and adolescents. It
primarily affects active individuals during periods of rapid growth of the
bones, muscles, and tendons that grow at different rates, leading to increased
stress on the area, and physical activity. It causes pain and inflammation at
the tibial tuberosity, which is the bony prominence located just below the
kneecap. It typically occurs in children and adolescents involved in activities
that involve frequent running, jumping, and kneeling. OSD is caused by
repetitive stress and tension on the growth plate of the tibia (shinbone).
Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease include knee pain, swelling, tenderness
over the tibial tuberosity, and increased pain during physical activity or when
kneeling or jumping. Treatment for OSD is to relieve pain and manage symptoms.
These include rest, activity modification, applying ice packs to the affected
area, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, physical
therapy exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles, and the use of knee
braces or supports.
- Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is used to describe a difference in the length of the legs. It can be either structural, where the bones of the leg are different lengths, or functional, where the legs may be of equal length, but appear different due to factors like pelvic tilt or muscle imbalances. Leg length discrepancy refers to a condition in which one leg is shorter than the other. In children, LLD can occur due to a variety of factors, including developmental differences, congenital conditions, or acquired injuries. Here are some key points related to leg length discrepancy in children: Leg length discrepancy in children results from various factors, such as developmental differences during growth, congenital conditions (e.g., congenital hip dislocation), fractures or injuries that affect bone growth, infections affecting the growth plate, or certain medical conditions like scoliosis or cerebral palsy. Children exhibit symptoms such as a noticeable limp, uneven gait, hip or knee pain, or spinal alignment issues like scoliosis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, the severity of the discrepancy, and the potential impact on growth and function. Treatment options may include shoe lifts or orthotic inserts to equalize leg lengths, physical therapy to address muscle imbalances, and in some cases, surgical interventions to correct the difference in leg length.
Let your child step into healthy feet today. Schedule an appointment with our podiatrists Houston at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center for foot and ankle care services.
