Pediatric Foot Conditions

Early Evaluation and Treatment for Healthy Foot Development

Children’s foot and gait problems are common and often improve with early evaluation and conservative treatment. At Edge Podiatry, we specialize in pediatric foot care to help ensure proper development, reduce pain, and prevent long-term complications.

Early treatment can make a significant difference in comfort, function, and long-term foot health.

Flat Feet (Pediatric & Adolescent)

Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot is reduced or absent, causing the entire sole of the foot to touch the ground when standing.

In young children, flat feet are often normal and part of natural development. However, if flat feet persist beyond early childhood or cause pain, evaluation is recommended.

Treatment Options

• Custom orthotics

• Arch support devices

• Activity modification if symptomatic

• Evaluation of gait abnormalities

• Supportive footwear recommendations

👉 See our Flat Foot or Orthotics page for more information.

Growing Pains (Sever’s Disease)

What Is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease is a common pediatric heel condition caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel (calcaneus). It occurs during periods of rapid growth when the bones grow faster than the muscles and tendons, placing increased stress on the heel.

Symptoms of Sever’s Disease

• Heel pain, especially with activity

• Swelling or redness at the back of the heel

• Limping or walking on toes

• Morning stiffness in the foot

• Pain when squeezing the heel

Symptoms typically worsen with activity and improve with rest.

Who Is at Risk?

Sever’s disease most commonly affects children who are:

• Going through a growth spurt

• Active in sports involving running or jumping

• Participating in high-impact activities on hard surfaces

Treatment

Treatment focuses on reducing stress on the heel and allowing the growth plate to heal:

• Activity modification and temporary rest

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)

• Stretching programs for the Achilles tendon

• Supportive shoes or heel cushions

• Custom orthotics in some cases

Most children improve significantly with conservative care.

Ingrown Toenails (Pediatric)

Ingrown toenails are very common in children and are often caused by improper nail trimming or tight footwear.

Prevention and Care

• Trim nails straight across

• Avoid cutting nails too short

• Wear properly fitting shoes

• Avoid digging into nail corners

For persistent or infected ingrown nails, in-office treatment may be necessary.

👉 See our Ingrown Nail page for more information.

In-Toeing and Out-Toeing

In-toeing (“pigeon-toed”) and out-toeing refer to the direction the feet point during walking.

Common Causes

• Tibial torsion (shin bone rotation)

• Metatarsus adductus (foot shape variation)

• Femoral anteversion (hip rotation)

Treatment Options

• Observation in mild cases (many improve with growth)

• Gait training

• Custom orthotics

• Gait plates or bracing in select cases

Early evaluation can help determine if intervention is needed.

Toe Walking

Toe walking occurs when a child walks on the balls of their feet instead of placing the heel down first.

In many young children, toe walking is part of normal development and resolves naturally. However, persistent toe walking should be evaluated.

Possible Causes

• Tight Achilles tendon

• Muscle imbalance or tightness

• Neurologic conditions (in some cases)

• Developmental conditions

When to Seek Evaluation

Toe walking should be evaluated if it:

• Continues beyond early toddler years

• Occurs consistently

• Causes tightness or pain

Our Approach to Pediatric Care

At Edge Podiatry, we focus on:

• Early diagnosis

• Non-invasive treatment whenever possible

• Custom orthotics and gait correction

• Preventing long-term foot and ankle problems

• Family-centered care and education

Schedule a Pediatric Evaluation

If your child is experiencing foot pain, abnormal walking patterns, or developmental concerns, early evaluation is important.

Contact Edge Podiatry today to schedule an appointment and ensure healthy foot development for your child.