Paediatric Foot Specialist: Everything You Need To Know
Paediatric foot specialists are podiatrists specially trained in caring for children's feet. They have a sound knowledge of growth and development and expertise in range-of-motion evaluations, bony deformities, and biomechanical conditions such as flatfoot. These specialists work closely with paediatricians, orthopedists, neurologists, and other health care providers to provide a comprehensive medical plan for the state or the patient's needs. They also care for the needs of parents, guardians, and other family members.
When To Visit a Paediatric Podiatrist?
Parents should discuss any problems with their children's feet with their paediatrician. A paediatric foot specialist may refer them to a podiatrist. In general, conditions that may benefit from the expertise of a podiatrist include the following:
You can consult paediatric foot care clinic for foot injuries in children and teenagers. The specialist will examine the foot and take a medical history to understand the underlying cause of the injury. The foot specialist will also measure foot length, including the heel, arch, and toe angle measurement. Elevation of the heel is recommended if a flatfoot condition is suspected.
Podiatrists treat problems with joint development, bony deformity, or biomechanical abnormalities such as flatfoot in children. Children may not have an apparent condition such as hammertoes or bunions. The paediatric foot specialist may take a medical history to determine the underlying problem, and they will examine the feet and measure every inch of length to evaluate the deformities. The specialist may also recommend activation strategies, such as foot arch supports or motion devices to relieve discomfort.
Disabilities that affect foot development may require further care from a pediatrician or an orthopedic surgeon. For example, a child with clubfoot abnormal foot positioning may need to wear special shoes and orthotics to improve walking.
Children may also need a foot specialist if they suffer from neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy (CP) or muscular dystrophy. Children who have these disorders may have foot deformities. The specialist will examine the child and work closely with the paediatrician, the orthopedic surgeon, and the child's primary care physician to address the child's needs.
Children with certain types of diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, may have foot problems. Paediatric foot specialists are trained in the care of children with diabetes. They also pay close attention to any redness, swelling, or ulceration of the feet and make recommendations for changes in footwear to address these issues.
The Difference Between Children and Adult Feet
Children's feet have different anatomy than adults' feet. Children tend not to have bunions or hammertoes, two joint foot deformities in adults. Instead, children may have flexible flatfeet or problems with the subtalar joint, the joint that is below the ankle joint, which can make walking difficult.