Treatment Guide
Pediatric Foot & Ankle Care
Specialized foot and ankle care for infants, children, and adolescents at every stage of development.
Overview
Children's feet are not simply small versions of adult feet - they grow, develop, and respond to treatment in unique ways that require specialized knowledge and a gentle, age-appropriate approach. Dr. Golan provides comprehensive pediatric podiatric care for patients from infancy through adolescence, addressing a wide spectrum of developmental, structural, and acquired conditions. Common pediatric foot concerns include flat feet (pediatric flexible flatfoot), in-toeing and out-toeing gait patterns, toe-walking, Sever's disease (growth plate heel pain), ingrown toenails, plantar warts, accessory bones, juvenile bunions, and sports-related overuse injuries in young athletes. Early evaluation and intervention - when appropriate - can guide healthy foot development and prevent adult-onset problems. Dr. Golan takes a conservative-first approach with children, using orthotics, physical therapy, bracing, and activity guidance before considering any surgical options.
Benefits
- Age-appropriate evaluation and treatment from infancy through adolescence
- Early detection and correction of developmental alignment issues
- Conservative management of Sever's disease, flat feet, and in-toeing/out-toeing
- Custom pediatric orthotics to support growing feet
- Gentle, painless in-office treatment of ingrown toenails and plantar warts
- Sports injury evaluation for young athletes - back to the field safely
- Parent education on proper footwear selection for growing children
What to Expect
Pediatric visits at Vertex Podiatry are designed to be calm, friendly, and reassuring for both children and parents. Dr. Golan will take a detailed history of your child's foot concerns, developmental milestones, and activity level. He will perform a thorough examination of foot structure, gait, and muscle balance - often observing your child walk or run. X-rays or ultrasound may be taken on-site if needed. Treatment recommendations are explained in parent-friendly language with realistic goals and timelines. For common conditions like flat feet or in-toeing, Dr. Golan will guide you on when watchful waiting is appropriate versus when intervention is beneficial. Follow-up visits track growth and development as your child matures.
Who Is a Candidate?
Pediatric foot care is appropriate for children at any age with concerns about foot pain, limping, abnormal gait, toe deformities, skin conditions (warts, athlete's foot), nail problems (ingrown toenails), sports injuries, or developmental alignment concerns. Parents who notice their child avoiding physical activity, complaining of foot or heel pain, or walking on their toes should schedule an evaluation. Early assessment is always encouraged - many conditions are easier to address in childhood than in adulthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child see a podiatrist?
There is no minimum age - infants can be evaluated for structural concerns. Most parents bring children in between ages 2-4 when gait patterns become apparent, or whenever a specific concern arises at any age.
My child has flat feet - is that a problem?
Most young children have naturally flat feet, and many cases resolve on their own by age 5-6 as the arch develops. Dr. Golan will assess whether your child's flat feet are flexible (normal developmental variant) or rigid (potentially requiring intervention) and advise accordingly.
Will my child need surgery?
The vast majority of pediatric foot conditions are managed conservatively with orthotics, stretching, activity modification, or simply monitoring growth. Surgery is rarely needed in childhood and is reserved for specific structural problems that do not respond to conservative care.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Golan to find out if pediatric foot & ankle care is the right treatment for you.
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