Pediatric (Children's) Foot & Limb Diseases
Pediatric Foot and Limb Diseases are easily treatable. "The earlier, the better", States Dr Craig Lowe, (Researcher). As bones are soft and pliable, Orthotics can be used to assist in proper development of the bones of the feet.
Bad Press. . .
Unfortunately, Pediatricians receive little training regarding Orthopedic diseases in their Residency. When parents take the child to the doctor, they pass off concerns as, "don't worry, they will grow out of it". . . "They don't grow out of these diseases. We see them as surgical patients in their 20's and 30's", stated Dr Lowe. Unless the deformities are substantial, they usually do not refer to either Pediatric Orthopedists or Podopediatric Specialists.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment is the Key
Unless deformities are severe, start evaluations at age 5 after they start walking.
- Note the age they started walking. Generally we will see children beginning ambulation at the age of 1 year old and crawling at 9 months.
- 3DO Imaging should be done starting at age 5 and repeated yearly as they grow.
- Most Pes Planus Splayed Flatfoot looking feet usually reduce by age 5 which is when you can start treatment.
