Our Services / Pediatric Care

If your child has foot pain, walking issues, coordination problems, or a sudden foot or ankle injury, a pediatric podiatry specialist is the best provider to see for help. Lauren Molchan, DPM, John McGarry, DPM, and the friendly pediatric podiatry experts at Foot Specialist Associates can help your child develop healthy feet and ankles, and they’re always here for support in times of problems and injuries. Call the office or use the online scheduler for a pediatric care appointment today.

When should my child see a podiatrist for pediatric care?

If your child has persistent foot pain, swollen feet, frequent falls, difficulty walking, or coordination issues, it’s important to schedule an appointment at Foot Specialist Associates as soon as possible. The pediatric podiatrists are experts in foot and ankle care for kids.

When any component of your child’s feet and ankles doesn’t function as it should, the body adapts to that defect. That compensation can lead to coordination problems, balance issues, and chronic pain that may persist into adulthood. 

Foot Specialists Associates can correct foot and ankle issues in the early stages, allowing your child to walk, jump, and run through their entire life in good health. 

Pediatric podiatrists can also help with sudden injuries, whether they occur during sports or play at home. 

What causes foot pain in children?

There are many reasons for foot pain in children, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinitis
• Ligament sprains
• Sever’s disease
• Bursitis 
• Stress fractures
  
  

Foot pain in children often occurs in the ankle or heel, but it can also strike the forefoot or midfoot. Foot pain is never normal, so don’t hesitate to schedule an evaluation with the podiatrists at Foot Specialists Associates when your child is hurting. 

Are flat feet normal in children?

Yes, flat feet are normal for young children. As your child starts walking, they’ll usually develop a foot arch. By the time they’re a teenager, they should have clear, well-defined foot arches. 

Young feet are highly pliable, which means that arch problems are correctable early in life. If your child doesn’t develop foot arches — a condition called pediatric flatfoot — Foot Specialist Associates can prescribe solutions like custom orthotics to encourage arch growth. 

Is going barefoot bad for children?

No, at least not if it’s done the right way. Going barefoot inside your home, where the floor is clear of obstacles and sharp objects, is actually good for foot development. 

What pediatric care treatments are available?

Foot Specialists Associates offers comprehensive pediatric podiatry care, including: 

• Physical therapy
• Immobilization, like support braces
• Activity level or duration changes
• Custom orthotics
  
  

In the most severe cases, children may need surgery for foot problems like a too-short Achilles tendon that inhibits normal walking. But, in most cases, the experienced team of podiatrists can help your child develop and maintain great foot health with simple conservative care. 

Get help from the caring pediatric podiatry experts at Foot Specialist Associates by calling the office nearest you or booking online today.