You might think that a podiatrist only takes care of adults, but you would be mistaken. We see kids all the time and sometimes it's for a skin issue like a plantar wart or an ingrown toenail. But sometimes, and often it's for a gait issue. We'll see children who walk on their toes or children who are pigeon-toed. But we see a lot of parents who noticed their kids, their feet roll in, and they seem like they're walking on their ankles.
Hi, I'm Houston podiatrist, Dr. Andrew Schneider. And when a parent notices their child walking on their ankles, it usually goes along with something else. That they don't like to run. That they go shopping and they end up sitting down in the middle of the store because their feet are hurting too much to move on and need to be carried or put in a stroller. That they don't want to play with their friends outside.
These are all signs of foot pain, and it's because the feet have to work so much harder when the ankles are rolling in this way. So, many parents will bring their kids to their pediatrician. And a lot of pediatricians will send them over to my office for them to be checked. And, but unfortunately, other pediatricians won't do that. Other pediatricians will say that they'll grow out of it. And in most cases that's not true. What's going to ultimately happen is that child will end up growing up with flat feet and will possibly have other complications like bunions or heel pain to go along with it.
Instead, we can treat your child when he's a child. And it's a very conservative way of treating for this condition. We'll use something called a custom orthotic. A custom orthotic is a shoe insert that's made specifically for your child and is meant to maintain the foot in a much straighter position and it's going to add stability and add efficiency.
So if you're watching your child walk and you're noticing that their ankles are rolling in, don't hesitate to bring them into the office for me to take a look. It'd be my pleasure. If you have any questions, give us a call at the office and we'll get you in for immediate appointment. And of course, for more information, contact us through our website at www.tanglewoodfootspecialists.com. Thanks so much for watching and have a great day.
