Pediatric Foot Care
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West Side Foot Care
Philip Messenger, DPM, PLLC
Podiatrist located in Upper West Side, New York, NY
Pediatric foot care involves diagnosing and treating developmental issues or injuries that affect young children. If your child is experiencing discomfort or issues with walking, board-certified podiatrist, Philip Messenger, DPM, PLLC, at West Side Foot Care in New York City can help. The caring team at his Manhattan practice offers flexible scheduling for children. Call our office or schedule an appointment online.
Pediatric Foot Care Q & A
When does my child need to see a podiatrist?
Your pediatrician may recommend taking your child to a podiatrist for a further examination and care if s/he is concerned about your child’s feet or ankles. Dr. Messenger treats a wide array of pediatric foot conditions, from early physical development to injuries commonly associated with activity. Dr. Messenger can help with:
- Heel pain
- Sports injuries
- Flatfeet
- Pigeon toe (in-toe walking)
- Sever’s disease (an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel)
Dr. Messenger also evaluates children's movement when they’re having difficulty standing or walking. The earlier a physical problem is caught and treated, the better the chances are for your child to develop to his/her full potential.
What treatments does a pediatric podiatrist offer?
Treatment plans for children depend on which conditions or issues they’re facing. Ingrown toenails, warts, sports injuries, flat feet and athlete’s feet can all be treated in the office.
Treating pigeon toes can involve bracing or casting, depending on the severity of the problem. Older children sometimes benefit from custom orthotic inserts for their shoes. Pediatric foot care might also include surgery, although this is generally a last resort. Dr. Messenger looks for other solutions to treat children before considering surgical treatment.
Is my child old enough to see a podiatrist?
Children of all ages with foot problems, from infants to teenagers, benefit from seeing Dr. Messenger. You may be concerned about your baby or toddler’s development. As babies begin standing, for instance, they naturally turn their legs inwards. You might notice that their feet turn inwards (pigeon toeing or in-toeing) or that their ankles seem weak.
Often, these issues resolve as your child develops and continues to build strength. But, if your toddler continues to struggle with standing or walking after about 18 months of age, or if they still seem to have some in-toeing or out-toeing after starting to walk, Dr. Messenger can help. Usually, these issues, and other similar ones, aren’t anything to worry about. Your child may need some temporary bracing or use of special shoe inserts called gait plates.
Dr. Messenger works with you and your child’s pediatrician to ensure a well-coordinated plan for your child’s podiatric care.
If you have any questions, or to schedule your child’s podiatry exam at West Side Foot Care, please visit Contact Us online or call: Phone (appointments): 212-724-7050 | Phone (general inquiries): 212-724-7050
