The foot is critical for supporting the rest of the body. If untreated, foot conditions can impact a child’s gait and trigger long-term degenerative joint complications. Pediatric Venice can help if you notice signs of mobility problems in your child. Discover the common orthopedic conditions in children.
Common pediatric orthopedic conditions
Club foot
Clubfoot is a congenital orthopedic condition that begins in late pregnancy. The foot curves inwards from its usual position. It is more prevalent in boys than girls.
Scientists are yet to establish the factors causing the foot to twist. But the principal characteristic of clubfoot is the shortening of the tendons.
Cases of club foot can vary considerably between children. It affects both feet about 50% of the time. The condition is sometimes an indication of spinal or joint complications.
How is club foot treated?: Many cases of clubfoot are identified during childbirth. Your orthopedic specialist may request x-rays to diagnose the condition. Treatment usually involves gentle manipulation to correct the foot anomaly.
Perthes Disease
Perthes disease is a rare condition that usually occurs between the age of four and eight. It affects the femur’s head, connecting the upper limb bone with the hip socket. Insufficient blood circulation causes bone cell deterioration, leading to pain and limited mobility.
One of the symptoms is hip pain. The sensations intensify gradually and may spread to the knee. You may notice your child limping, especially when exhausted from physical activities:
How is Perthes disease treated? The condition can cause loss of mobility and trigger degenerative arthritis. The process involves relieving pressure until joint function improves. Braces and physiotherapy may also restore mobility and alleviate pain.
In-toe walking
In-toe walking is a condition that appears in children below two years. The child walks with their toes pointing inwards towards the center of the body. In-toe walking often causes balance and gait problems. Parents may notice the child is more susceptible to falling when walking.
There are various categories of in-toe walking, defined by their causes. They include:
- A twisted femur: It occurs when the thigh bone twists, forcing the foot to shift inwards. In most cases, the femur eventually turns outwards by age seven. It causes minimal functional problems, and children can participate in sports.
- A twisted shin bone: The shin bone turns inwards, and the trait is common in infants. But the anomaly disappears in most children.
- Curved foot: it is the most prevalent foot abnormality affecting one in 5,000 children at birth. The foot curves inwards from the mid-foot to the toes. Nine out of ten cases disappear without medical intervention. Your orthopedic specialist may recommend splints and special shoes to correct the deformity.
Flat Foot
Typically, the foot has a curve that arches upwards at the center. A flat foot is a condition where the foot does not have an arch.
Flat feet are prevalent in children below five. Most cases disappear without any orthopedic interventions. Your provider may suggest wearing special shoes with insoles to correct the anomaly.
To book a consultation for your child, call 360 Orthopedics or schedule an appointment online today.
