Pediatric Care

At Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic the team has extensive experience treating children’s foot disorders and ensuring young feet develop properly. Joseph Hall, DPM has over 25 years of experience in pediatric foot care for children. Call  Dr. Joseph Hall, DPM (Foot and Ankle Specialist) at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic in Mill Creek, WA to arrange an evaluation or request a pediatric care appointment online today.

What is podiatric pediatric care?

Pediatric care ensures your child’s feet develop correctly from birth to adulthood. Children must receive the best care possible as their feet grow and mature to prevent problems during adulthood.

Dr. Hall  and the Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic’s care team treats all foot and ankle conditions affecting children.

What foot and ankle conditions does pediatric care cover?

Common pediatric foot and ankle conditions include:

In-toeing

In-toeing is where a child’s toes don’t point forward as they should but toward each other instead. Also called pigeon toed, in-toeing is typically due to misaligned bones or joints. You may notice in-toeing when your child begins walking. It doesn’t always cause problems but may in some children.

Out-toeing

Out-toeing occurs when one of the long leg bones turns toward the outer leg, causing the feet to point outward. Also called duck-footedness, out-toeing can affect one or both legs. It can be a temporary problem in young children but may persist and cause issues later in life.

Flat feet

Flat feet have little or no arch — the natural curve underneath the foot that provides strength and support. The entire sole of the foot contacts the ground when a child stands if they have flat feet. Flat feet aren’t always a problem, but they may cause pain or increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis (heel pain), metatarsalgia, and other conditions.

Bunions

Bunions are bony-like bumps where the big toe joint attaches to the foot. In children and teens, bunions are often due to structural abnormalities that cause the bones to point inward excessively and move the big toe cartilage. Consequently, the big toe leans toward the smaller toes, creating a pediatric bunion.

Polydactyly

Children with polydactyly have genetic differences that cause them to develop extra fingers or toes in the womb. It’s a common problem affecting around one in 1,000 babies yearly. 

Why does my child have heel pain?

Heel pain in children could be caused by several conditions, including Sever’s disease, plantar fasciitis, and flat feet.

Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is inflammation between the Achilles tendon heel cord and the heel bone (calcaneus). It’s most common in young athletes aged 8 to 15, particularly during growth spurts.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation arising in the connective tissue band under the foot’s arch, typically caused by overuse or irritation.

Call Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic to discuss your pediatric care needs or book an appointment for your child online today.