Pediatric Podiatry in Central Florida – Kids' Foot & Ankle Care

Pediatric Podiatry in Central Florida – Kids' Foot & Ankle Care Your child's feet are constantly growing and changing, and problems that develop early can affect how they walk, run, and play for years to come. Dr. Carli Hoover specializes in pediatric podiatry, helping young patients in Central Florida achieve healthy foot development and pain free childhoods. Whether your child is experiencing growing pains, running faster as an athlete, or developing foot deformities, expert care makes all the difference. Why Pediatric Feet Are Different Children's feet aren't just smaller versions of adult feet—they're fundamentally different in important ways that affect how they develop and what problems they might experience. Growth Plates and Development Until late adolescence, your child's feet contain growth plates—areas of soft cartilage where new bone develops. These growth plates are: More Vulnerable to Injury: Growth plates can be injured more easily than mature bone. What seems like a minor twist might damage a growth plate, affecting future foot development. Active Sites of Growth: As your child grows, these growth plates actively produce new bone. Certain conditions specifically target these developing areas. Indicators of Overall Development: How your child's feet develop provides clues about overall growth and development. Flexible but Developing Arches Baby feet are largely cartilaginous (made of cartilage rather than bone). As your child grows, bones ossify (turn into bone), and arches develop. This process takes years, and problems during development can create lifelong foot issues. Rapid Changes Children's feet change dramatically as they grow. Shoe sizes increase multiple times during childhood. This rapid change means periodic professional assessment is valuable. Common Pediatric Foot Problems Flat Feet (Pes Planus) Many young children have flat feet—this is actually normal in infants and toddlers. As they grow, arches typically develop. Concerning Signs: Flat feet persisting beyond age 3 4 Pain or complaints about feet hurting Tripping, clumsiness, or running difficulty Shoes wearing out unevenly Treatment: Most flat feet are developmental and resolve naturally. However, some children benefit from orthotics to support developing arches and prevent pain. In Toeing and Out Toeing How your child's toes point when walking is a common concern for parents: In Toeing (Pigeon Toes): Toes point inward when walking or running. Usually develops naturally as bones grow and rotate. Most cases resolve without intervention. Out Toeing: Toes point outward. Also usually developmental and often resolves with growth. When Treatment Is Needed: If the deformity is severe, progressive, or associated with pain or clumsiness, intervention helps. Dr. Hoover can assess whether specific treatment is warranted. Toe Walking Some children prefer walking on their toes rather than with a normal heel to toe gait. While occasionally normal, persistent toe walking requires evaluation: Normal vs. Concerning: Occasional toe walking is normal Persistent toe walking, especially if associated with tightness, may indicate calf muscle shortness or neurological issues Some children with sensory sensitivities prefer toe walking Assessment and Treatment: Dr. Hoover can determine whether stretching, bracing, or other interventions are appropriate. Growing Pains "Growing pains" is a term many parents use for leg pain in children, but the specific foot condition your child might experience is: Sever's Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis): Inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, common in kids ages 8 14, especially active children. Symptoms: Heel pain, particularly after activity Pain worse in the morning after sleeping Limping or reluctance to walk Pain with running or jumping Cause: The Achilles tendon pulls on the heel's growth plate. Growth causes tightness, and activity stresses the growth plate, causing pain. Treatment: Rest and activity modification Stretching of calf muscles Proper footwear Orthotics with heel cushioning Ice therapy for flare ups Most cases resolve completely with conservative treatment. Ingrown Toenails Children sometimes develop ingrown toenails, either from improper nail trimming or shoes that are too tight. Prevention: Trim toenails straight across Avoid cutting nails too short Ensure shoes fit properly Keep feet clean and dry Treatment: Mild cases respond to home care (warm soaks, proper nail trimming). More serious cases require professional care to prevent infection. Plantar Warts These common foot warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Children frequently develop warts after exposure at pools, locker rooms, or communal showers. Characteristics: Hard, cauliflower like growths on foot soles Pain when pressure is applied Possible black dots in the wart center Treatment Options: Dr. Hoover offers multiple treatment approaches: Topical medications Cryotherapy (freezing) Laser treatment Surgical removal if nece