Despite what you might have heard about “growing pains,” children’s feet shouldn’t hurt. If your child regularly complains about painful feet, ankles, or heels—or you’ve noticed something unusual about their foot development, structure, or gait—don’t dismiss it as a normal part of childhood or assume they’ll grow out of it. Children and teens can experience numerous podiatric conditions requiring professional attention, from those seen in adults to issues unique to their developing feet.
If you’re looking for a caring and capable podiatrist to set your child’s feet on the path to podiatric health, you’ve come to the right place.
Complete Pediatric Podiatry Care for the Prescott-Quad Cities Area
Get the exceptional care your children’s feet deserve at Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center in Prescott, Arizona. Our practice, led by Dr. John (Todd) Cox, DPM, offers comprehensive care for Quad Cities area patients ages four and up. Here’s an overview of our services and the pediatric conditions we treat.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding flesh, causing pain, tenderness, inflammation, and an increased risk of infection. Though this condition affects all ages, it’s particularly common among children and teens.
Improper nail trimming and wearing tight shoes, such as after a growth spurt, can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails. We offer gentle and effective treatment options, from conservative management to surgical intervention for severe cases, and preventive care.
Plantar Warts
Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) entering the body through breaks in the skin on the feet, plantar warts are small, flesh-colored growths that develop on the soles and toes. Though they resemble corns and calluses, plantar warts have tiny black dots in them. These uncomfortable and unsightly lesions can cause pain during activity and persist for years without professional treatment. Our pediatric foot specialist offers wide-ranging solutions, including cryotherapy and surgical removal, and can advise young patients on how to protect their feet against future infection.
Flat Feet
Flat feet, or feet with little to no arches, are a common concern among parents of young children. Fortunately, in many cases, there’s no reason to worry. Most babies and toddlers have flat feet, with defined arches developing as they grow. However, if children complain of frequent foot, leg, or back pain or haven’t developed arches by the age of 6, it’s time to see a specialist. Treatment options include custom orthotics or arch supports that control pronation and provide support and cushioning precisely where it’s needed.
Heel Pain
Heel pain in children and teenagers can be caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel bone and toes, or Sever’s disease, a growth plate injury caused by strain on the Achilles tendon. Plantar fasciitis heel pain typically occurs on the bottom of the foot, near the heel, while pain from Sever’s disease is usually felt along the growth plate at the back of the heel and on the sides of the feet. At Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center, we help pediatric patients, and their parents, determine the cause of their heel pain and explore available treatment options.
Trauma or Sports Injuries
Active children and teens have an increased risk for podiatric injuries such as strains and sprains, stress fractures or broken bones, turf toe, and sesamoiditis. When foot, ankle, or lower leg trauma or sports injuries threaten to leave kids sitting on the sidelines, our experienced podiatric team can provide the treatment they need to recover and get back in the game.
Annual Exams and Preventive Care
Regular visits with a skilled podiatrist help parents ensure that their children’s feet are growing and developing normally and allow for early intervention for any issues that occur. We recommend that children and teens see a podiatrist at least once a year. Our team also informs patients and their parents (or guardians) about vital preventive measures to help feet stay healthy.
Our Conscientious Approach to Treating Pediatric Feet
Dr. Cox uses a conscientious approach to care that utilizes the full gamut of conservative treatments before considering surgical options for non-emergent cases. We never push patients into surgery and will work closely with you to determine the best course of care for your child.
Partner With Us to Set Your Children’s Feet on the Path to Good Health
Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center offers full-spectrum care for pediatric patients, with convenient onsite screenings and diagnostic testing. Contact us online or call 928-445-4898 to request a pediatric consultation with Dr. Cox.