Have you ever noticed that from the moment a baby is born, there’s somebody who’s a tiny bit obsessed with their feet?  It seems someone’s always asking – Has she got 10 toes? Do his feet need covering (grab the booties)? These feet are so wide and chubby – is that normal? Does he need to wear shoes? Is she ready to walk yet? Podiatrists Dr. Heidi M. Christie, DPM and Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts, DPM of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists are delighted that people ask these sorts of questions!

Here are some common “pediatric podiatric” conditions to look out for:

• Flat feet – Most children are born with flat feet that eventually develop some kind of arch. Feet that remain flat may or may not cause a child pain or walking issues. It’s just something to keep an eye on. A qualified podiatrist can help when flat feet become problematic.
• Tiptoeing/Toe walking – It’s not terribly unusual for children to walk on their toes when they’re just starting out. But if a child continues to walk on their toes beyond the age of 2 or 3, have their feet examined for any physical deformities or muscular disorders.
• In-toeing/Out-toeing – A young child’s toes may point inward or outward when they walk. Again, this is something just to keep an eye on. Very often, in-toeing or out-toeing goes away with time. If it doesn’t and your child seems to have gait problems or trips frequently, there are therapies we can use to correct the problem.
• Ingrown toenails can be caused by shoes that are too tight. They can also be an inherited condition – as they were for Dr. Day-Houts and many of her family members! Make an appointment with us for expert treatment of painful, persistent, or infected ingrown toenails.
• Skin problems include plantar warts, blisters, corns, and calluses. If any of these cause your child irritation, swelling, redness, or pain, there’s no need for them to suffer.

Dr. Christie and Dr. Day-Houts count babies and children among our most treasured patients. We’re happy to put the focus on children’s feet, since there’s actually a lot that can go wrong with them. Never hesitate to consult us when your child’s feet need attention.

Contact us online or call us in Montgomery, Alabama at: (334) 396-3668.