Growing Strong from the Ground Up: Foot Care for Children and Teens
Feet are the foundation of your child’s body—supporting them through sports, play, growth spurts, and daily adventures. Yet, foot health is often overlooked during childhood and adolescence, which can lead to long-term complications if early issues go unaddressed. At Third Coast Foot and Ankle, we’re passionate about helping kids and teens step into adulthood with strong, healthy feet.
Why Foot Care Matters Early On
Children’s bones, muscles, and joints are still developing. Small imbalances or biomechanical issues can have ripple effects as they grow, sometimes leading to chronic pain, misalignment, or injury. Addressing concerns early can prevent these problems and help your child move comfortably and confidently for years to come.
Common Foot Issues in Kids and Teens
1. Flat Feet and Overpronation
Many young children have flat feet, but if the arch doesn’t develop with age, it can cause pain, fatigue, or gait issues. Overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) often goes hand-in-hand with flat feet.
Solution: Early evaluation and treatment with orthotics—such as our LittleSteps® Orthotics—can gently guide the foot into better alignment, reduce discomfort, and support healthy development.
2. Heel Pain (Sever’s Disease)
In active kids, especially those going through a growth spurt, the heel bone can become inflamed at the growth plate, causing pain during sports or activity.
Solution: Rest, stretching, ice, and proper footwear can help relieve pain. Our team can also recommend heel lifts or orthotic support to ease strain during healing.
3. Ingrown Toenails
Tight shoes, improper trimming, or genetic nail shape can lead to painful ingrown toenails—common in teens.
Solution: Early care is key. We treat ingrown nails gently and safely in-office, often providing instant relief and strategies to prevent recurrence.
4. Warts (Plantar Warts)
Caused by a virus that enters through small cuts in the skin, plantar warts are common in school-aged children and teens, especially athletes.
Solution: While some warts resolve on their own, persistent or painful warts may benefit from Swift Therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that activates the immune system to clear the virus—no blisters or downtime.
5. Sports Injuries
Sprains, stress fractures, and tendonitis can affect kids just as they do adults—especially in high-impact sports like soccer, gymnastics, or basketball.
Solution: Prompt treatment is essential. We offer pediatric sports injury care, gait analysis, and supportive treatment plans that help kids recover and prevent re-injury.
Preventing Long-Term Problems: What Parents Can Do
- Watch Their Walk – Does your child limp, walk on their toes, or complain of tired feet? These could be signs of imbalance or pain.
- Choose the Right Shoes – Growing feet need supportive, well-fitted shoes—replace them regularly and avoid overly soft soles.
- Don’t Ignore Complaints – Kids may not always voice pain, but if they’re reluctant to run or walk long distances, it’s worth a closer look.
- Schedule Early Evaluations – Just like regular vision or dental checkups, a podiatric exam can catch small issues before they become major problems.
We’re Here to Support Every Step of the Way
At Third Coast Foot and Ankle, we believe healthy feet mean a healthy future. Whether your child is struggling with a painful issue or you just want peace of mind, our team is here to help with expert care tailored to young feet.
Let us help your child step into every stage of growth with confidence. Schedule an appointment today!