Your Child’s Foot Doctors in Seattle
Children’s’ foot problems are one of our primary specialties and both Dr. Hale and Dr. Huppin treat kids feet on a daily basis. We love working with kids and always make their visits with us as easy, painless, and even fun, as possible.
It’s not normal for kids to complain of foot pain. If your child complains of pain in their feet or ankles, if they are unstable when they walk or you have any other concerns, contact us for an appointment in our Seattle foot clinic.
Children’s feet are not simply small adult feet – they have a unique development pattern and function. Unlike teeth and eyes, foot health in kids is often neglected. This can lead to problems not only in the feet, but elsewhere as well – for example in the legs and back.
Foot problems can also lead to deleterious personality effects. A child with foot problems may walk awkwardly and not be as athletic as they should. In some kids this can lead to them being shy, introverted, and avoidance of sports and other social functions. In the presence of these problems we work with your pediatrician and other medical specialists to help resolve these issues.
Contact us for an appointment for your child if you notice any of the following:
- Your child complains of pain in their feet, ankles or legs
- Your child is constantly tripping and falling
- You notice uneven shoe wear
- Your child asks to be carried more than other kids of the same age
- Your child has a gait or foot position when walking that you think might be unusual
- You notice any skin rashes, hard skin, lumps or bumps on the feet
Check-ups for Your Kids Feet
Regular foot check-ups can prevent later problems. Many foot problems that affect adults have their origins in childhood. In fact, many are present at birth. When caught early, we can often help prevent problems that will bother your child as older children, adolescents or adults. Here are some of the consequences of foot and leg issues:
- Kids with foot problems may walk awkwardly
- Kids with foot problems may not be as athletic as they could
- Kids with foot issues may avoid sports and social functions
- All of these can lead children to be shy, introverted or less comfortable socially
When Should Your Child Have Their Feet and Gait Checked?
Children should have a regular foot check-up at these important milestones:
- When beginning to walk (about 12 months)
- Age 3 (this is when children develop a more adult “heel-to-toe” gait)
- Age 6 (when starting school)
- Before beginning organized sports
What Is Included in a Kids’ Foot Check-up?
We will check every aspect of your child’s foot health, walking patterns and shoes (be sure to bring a couple of pair of shoes with you). The examination includes:
- Evaluation of muscle function
- Examination of the joints and leg of the lower extremities
- Compare growth and development to normal for your child’s age
- Evaluate their gait (walking pattern)
- Determine if there is evidence of inherited foot problems such as flat feet, high arches or bunions
- Check skin and nails
- Evaluate shoes
- Child sports foot evaluation
Both Dr. Hupin and Hale are great with kids and look forward to making sure that your child’s feet and ankles are healthy and developing normally to prevent future problems. Contact us today to make an appointment for your child for a full foot and ankle evaluation at the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington conveniently located on First Hill near Swedish Medical Center.
Video: What Causes Pain on the Outside of Childrens’ Feet?
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