At Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle, our caring, compassionate foot doctors understand and treat children's foot problems. Dr. Roman Burk was specifically trained in children's foot and ankle problems during his residency and treats many pediatric patients.
If your child has foot or ankle pain, is unable to walk or run correctly, seems to have pigeon toes, or has other foot and ankle problems, Dr. Burk can help. Additionally, Dr. Burk was personally trained by Dr. Ignacio Ponsetti, the forefather of non-surgical corrective treatment for pediatric clubfoot deformities.
Flatfoot deformity is a condition in which the foot arch collapses, leading to a flatfoot appearance. It is often caused by tight calf muscles, tendon imbalance, or weak ligaments. Flatfoot deformity can cause pain, difficulty walking, and other problems such as bunions and hammertoes. Children with this condition may benefit from orthotics or ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), physical therapy, stretching exercises, or surgery depending on the severity of their case.
Heel pain in children, also known as Sever's Disease, occurs when the growth plates in the heel become inflamed. It is most common in active children between the ages of eight and 14 and can be caused by tight calf muscles, overpronation, incorrect footwear, or medical conditions such as flat feet or arthritis. Symptoms may include pain at the back of the heel and difficulty walking. Treatments for this condition include rest from activities that aggravate it, stretching exercises to lengthen calf muscles, properly fitting shoes with good arch support and cushioning, orthotics or ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), physical therapy, and possible surgery if needed.
Clubfoot deformity occurs when one or both feet are twisted inward. It is typically present at birth and can range from mild to severe. The causes of clubfoot deformity are unknown, but some believe it could be genetic or due to the baby's position before birth. Treatment for this condition includes stretching, casts, braces, or surgery, depending on the severity of the case. The treatment goal is to reposition the foot so it can function properly with good alignment and joint motion.
Pigeon toe, also known as in-toeing, is a condition that causes the feet to point inward when walking. It often occurs in children and is usually related to weak hip muscles and rotated femurs (thigh bones). Treatment for this condition may include stretches, physical therapy, and braces, depending on the severity of the case. Surgery may be necessary if non-surgical treatments do not improve the condition.
Bunions are bony bumps that form on the inside of the foot near the base of the big toe. They are common in children and teens and can be caused by poor-fitting shoes or abnormal foot structure. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. Treatment for pediatric bunions typically includes orthotics (shoe inserts), stretching exercises, shoe modifications, night splints, and custom-made footwear. Surgery is sometimes recommended if other treatments do not reduce symptoms.
Tarsal coalitions are a condition in which two or more of the bones in the foot (called tarsals) are joined together by extra cartilage, bone, or fibrous tissue. This causes the bones to fuse together instead of moving independently. Tarsal coalitions can occur at any age but are most often diagnosed in childhood and adolescence. Symptoms may include decreased mobility of the foot, pain when walking, flatfoot deformity, and a stiff or rigid feeling in the foot. Treatment usually involves non-surgical methods such as physical therapy exercises, braces, orthotics, and shoe modifications. Surgery may be recommended for severe cases.
Gait problems or disorders are disturbances or abnormalities in the way a child walks. Muscular or neurological conditions, injuries, deformities, and genetic issues can affect how a child walks. Common symptoms of gait problems in children include limping, toe walking, difficulty standing on one leg, hip pain, and instability when walking. Treatment options may include physical therapy exercises, braces, orthotics, medications, and surgery.
Metatarsus adductus is a condition in which the front portion of the foot, known as the metatarsal bones, are curved inward. It is considered a common congenital foot deformity in children and may result in pain and difficulty finding shoes that fit. Treatment usually involves non-surgical methods such as stretching exercises, orthotics, and shoe modifications, although surgery may be recommended for severe cases.
If you're seeking the help of an experienced child podiatrist you owe it to yourself to speak with our doctors as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 208.855.5955 to schedule your appointment. We service all areas surrounding Meridian, Idaho as well as all areas in the Caldwell, Idaho area. We look forward to helping you and your children!
