Pediatric Foot Care in Lafayette
Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM evaluates and treats foot and ankle concerns in children, from flat feet and toe walking to heel pain, ingrown nails and warts. Care is gentle, clearly explained to both parents and kids, and focused on supporting healthy development as your child grows.
What is Pediatric Foot Care?
Pediatric foot care is the evaluation, treatment and monitoring of foot, ankle and lower leg conditions in infants, children and teenagers. A child’s foot is not simply a small adult foot. It contains growth plates and areas of cartilage that gradually turn to bone, and its shape and function change substantially from the first steps through adolescence.
Because of this, a problem that would call for one approach in an adult may need a very different one in a child. Many findings, such as flexible flat feet or mild in-toeing, are normal parts of development and often improve on their own. Others, such as persistent pain, a rigid foot or a limp, deserve a closer look. A podiatric evaluation helps separate what can be watched from what should be treated.
Pediatric foot care helps children of all ages, including active athletes, toddlers learning to walk and teens whose feet are changing during growth spurts. Guidance in this field draws on established orthopedic and podiatric knowledge: conservative measures such as stretching, supportive footwear, activity changes and inserts are commonly the first line of care, with more involved options considered only when they are truly needed.
Signs your child may benefit from an evaluation
- Flat feet that cause pain, fatigue or clumsiness during play
- Walking on the toes beyond the toddler years
- In-toeing or out-toeing that seems to cause tripping
- Heel pain in active, growing children, often after sports
- Ingrown toenails that are red, sore or recurrent
- Plantar warts that persist or spread on the soles
- Bunions, curved toes or other visible changes in foot shape
- Shoes that wear unevenly or a child who avoids walking and running
What to Expect
- Stretching and strengthening: targeted exercises for tight calves, weak foot muscles or toe walking.
- Footwear guidance: advice on fit, structure and sport-specific shoes.
- Inserts and orthotic devices: support for painful flat feet or alignment concerns when appropriate.
- Nail and skin care: treatment of ingrown nails, fungal nails and plantar warts.
- Activity and growth monitoring: adjusting sports load and tracking changes over time.
Our Approach to Pediatric Foot Care
Initial Assessment
Your visit begins with a conversation about your child’s history, activities, footwear and symptoms. Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM then examines the feet, ankles and legs, watches your child stand and walk, and checks joint motion, muscle flexibility and alignment. Imaging is used only when it is needed to answer a specific question.
Personalized Plan
Children grow and change quickly, so treatment is matched to your child’s age, activity level and the cause of the problem. You receive a clear explanation of the diagnosis, the options, and whether watchful monitoring or active treatment makes the most sense.
Ongoing Support
Because feet change as children grow, follow-up is part of care. Progress is rechecked, home exercises and footwear advice are adjusted, and you are shown what to watch for between visits so small issues are caught early.
Benefits
Stretching and strengthening
Targeted exercises for tight calves, weak foot muscles or toe walking.
Footwear guidance
Advice on fit, structure and sport-specific shoes.
Inserts and orthotic devices
Support for painful flat feet or alignment concerns when appropriate.
Nail and skin care
Treatment of ingrown nails, fungal nails and plantar warts.
Activity and growth monitoring
Adjusting sports load and tracking changes over time.
What to Expect
First Visit
A history, a hands-on exam, and a look at how your child stands and walks. You leave with an explanation of what was found and a recommended plan.
Week 2-4
Home exercises, footwear changes or other early steps are underway. Many children begin to feel more comfortable in this window, though some conditions take longer.
Month 1-3
A follow-up checks progress and fine-tunes the plan. Inserts or other supports, if used, are reviewed for fit and comfort.
Long-term
Growth continues, so periodic rechecks help ensure the feet keep developing well. Some concerns resolve fully, while others are managed through growth years.
Treatments and therapies we may use
Stretching and strengthening: targeted exercises for tight calves, weak foot muscles or toe walking.
Footwear guidance: advice on fit, structure and sport-specific shoes.
Inserts and orthotic devices: support for painful flat feet or alignment concerns when appropriate.
Nail and skin care: treatment of ingrown nails, fungal nails and plantar warts.
Activity and growth monitoring: adjusting sports load and tracking changes over time.
Common Questions About Pediatric Foot Care
At what age should my child see a foot specialist?
There is no single age. A visit is reasonable any time you notice pain, a limp, an unusual walking pattern, a change in foot shape, or a skin or nail problem that is not improving. Many parents also ask about a toddler’s walking pattern or flat feet, and an evaluation can tell you whether it is a normal stage of development.
Are flat feet in children a problem?
Most infants and toddlers have flat-looking feet because the arch develops gradually through early childhood. Flexible flat feet that cause no pain often need no treatment. Pain, stiffness, a rigid foot or difficulty keeping up with other children are reasons to have the feet evaluated.
Is toe walking something to worry about?
Occasional toe walking is common in toddlers who are just learning to walk. If it continues past that stage, or comes with tight calf muscles or other concerns, it is worth an evaluation to look for a cause. Stretching, footwear changes or other measures may be recommended depending on the findings.
How do I choose good shoes for my child?
Look for a shoe that fits both length and width, bends where the foot bends at the ball, has a firm heel counter, and allows the toes room to move. Check fit often, since children can outgrow shoes within months. Bring a few pairs your child wears regularly to the visit so wear patterns can be reviewed.
What should I bring to my child’s appointment?
Bring the shoes your child wears most, including athletic shoes, along with any prior records or imaging and a list of questions. Let your child know the visit is simply a look at the feet and how they walk. You can call (303) 537-4714 if you have questions before you come in.
Ready to Get Help with Pediatric Foot Care?
Call (303) 537-4714 or visit us at 588 North Highway 287, Suite 204, Lafayette, CO 80026. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.
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