How is clubfoot treated?
If your baby is born with clubfoot—a condition involving twisted feet—it might be alarming at first, but take comfort in knowing that this can be treated and your baby can grow up to do all of the things any other child can do. It just takes patience, persistence, and some help from the experts at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center. Treating clubfoot typically involves manipulating your child’s feet to gradually ease them into proper alignment, then either using casts or adhesive tape and splints to hold them in place. The process takes place weekly over an extended period of time, depending on the severity of the condition. Often, a surgical procedure to lengthen the Achilles is necessary as well, and special shoes and braces need to be worn. In cases where conservative methods aren’t enough, surgery can be performed to reposition ligaments, joints, and tendons.
The key to successfully treating clubfoot is to start in the first two weeks after birth, when bones are still flexible. If you notice your newborn’s feet are turned inward, call (303) 423-2520 to make an appointment at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center in Wheat Ridge and Golden, CO today.
Should my child see a podiatrist?
Children’s feet may need monitoring and special care to ensure that there is symmetry between both limbs and that the feet are progressing properly through the stages of growth. Some problems are seen at birth and need immediate treatment (club feet, for example). Others may develop more subtly, and we have training and expertise in the development of a child’s feet and legs to diagnose and treat common issues.
If you have a family history of flat feet, bunions, or other foot problems, it may be wise to have us take a look. We will examine your child for symmetry and the proper progression through crawling and leaning to walk. If we see any irregularities, we can immediately use treatment to prevent foot problems from developing. This can be simple things like stretches for tight calf muscles that cause tiptoe walking, or shoe advice for overpronation issues. Orthotics can be used in children while they are still growing to prevent their feet from developing in the wrong way.
Call Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center at (303) 423-2520 and let us partner with you to keep your children’s feet healthy and strong for a lifetime.
How often should I replace my children's shoes?
Babies don’t really need shoes, but the booties you choose instead shouldn’t cramp your little one’s feet, either. Once he or she starts crawling and walking, plan on shopping for a new pair of children’s shoes every couple of months as your toddler grows. Older children who are not growing as fast may be able to go a bit longer—unless the shoes no longer offer good support.
You’ll know it’s time to buy a new pair when the current ones become harder to slip on and close, or you notice any red spots or lines of pressure when you take them off. You can also press on the end of the toe box, to see if there is still a finger’s width of space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Take your kids along when you shop, have them wear their normal socks, and measure their feet each time. They should walk around in footwear to make sure it doesn’t pinch or slip.
For more tips on when to replace your child’s shoes and what type is best, call Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center in Wheat Ridge, CO at (303) 423-2520.
Do pigeon toes go away on their own?
Pigeon toes, also called intoeing, means your child’s feet point toward each other, and that can be disconcerting to you as a parent. However, they are not always a reason for concern.
The causes of this condition correlate to when you first notice them: in babies, it is often the foot that is twisted; if they appear when walking begins, it is usually the shin bone that is rotated, and if you notice them after your child has been walking a while, it could be that their thigh bone or hip is rotated in a less than ideal position. All of these conditions usually take care of themselves as your child grows and their muscles and bones develop and get stronger. Even if they persist into adulthood, they rarely cause serious problems.
If you think your child’s intoeing is extreme, come in and let us examine his or her feet. We can determine whether any treatment is needed or set your mind at rest that he or she is developing normally. Call (303) 423-2520 and set up an appointment today at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center in Wheat Ridge, CO.
