Children's Foot Care Specialist

How should I choose a pediatric podiatrist in Homer Glen? When seeking children's foot care, it is essential to visit a specialist like Dr. Christopher Vittori, who understands that a child’s foot is still developing. At Vittori Foot & Ankle, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for common pediatric conditions, including flat feet, ingrown toenails, and gait abnormalities. Our clinic utilizes advanced, non-invasive technology like custom orthotics to ensure proper development and pain-free activity for children of all ages.

What is children’s foot care?

Children’s foot care treats and prevents podiatric problems in kids and teens. It uses custom treatments to minimize pain and encourage mobility, allowing for a healthy and active lifestyle. 

If your child regularly experiences foot or ankle pain, and it interferes with their ability to play sports, spend time with friends, or participate in other activities they love, don’t wait to seek treatment at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist.

What issues does children’s foot care treat?

Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist uses children’s foot care to treat various issues, including:

Warts

Warts are small, flesh-colored growths that develop on the weight-bearing areas of the feet. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus and are especially common in children and teens who play sports. Most warts go away on their own, but some require removal with cryotherapy or salicylic acid.

Ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when a nail grows into the soft skin that surrounds the nail bed. When left untreated, an ingrown toenail may become infected, causing swelling, redness, and pain. You can significantly lower the risk of an ingrown toenail by clipping your child’s nails straight across.

Heel pain

Heel pain occurs for various reasons, including plantar fasciitis and Sever’s disease. Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that causes the plantar fascia –– a band of fibrous tissue –– to become inflamed due to activities like running or jumping. Sever’s disease commonly affects active children between the ages of 8-14. It occurs due to strain on the Achilles tendon.

Flat feet

Children with flat feet have no visible arch. That causes the soles of their feet to make direct contact with the ground. Though flat feet usually aren’t a serious problem, they can cause gait or posture problems that result in ankle, back, or leg pain. 

What does children’s foot care involve?

Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist tailors children’s foot care to each individual’s needs. Each appointment begins with a comprehensive foot and ankle exam, a review of your child’s medical history, and a discussion of their symptoms. 

If these measures don’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis or recommendation for treatment, your child’s provider might order additional tests like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These imaging procedures provide detailed photographs of the bones, joints, and soft tissues in your child’s feet.

To request a children’s foot care appointment, contact Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist. Call the nearest office or click the online booking tool. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Foot Care

Is it normal for my child to have flat feet? Most toddlers appear to have flat feet because their arches haven't fully developed and are often hidden by "baby fat." However, if your child experiences pain, tires easily during sports, or has arches that don't appear when they stand on their toes, it’s time for an evaluation. We provide specialized pediatric custom orthotics to support healthy development for children in Homer Glen.

What causes 'growing pains' in a child’s heel? What is often dismissed as "growing pains" is actually Sever’s Disease, an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. This is very common in active children in Orland Park and New Lenox who play soccer or basketball. We offer effective, non-invasive treatments to settle the inflammation and get them back on the field.

Should I be worried about my child’s "in-toeing" (pigeon toes)? While many children outgrow in-toeing, it can sometimes be caused by a rotation in the foot, shin, or thigh bone. Dr. Vittori and Dr. Thakrar perform comprehensive gait analyses to determine if corrective bracing or specialized inserts are needed to ensure proper alignment as your child grows.

How can I prevent my child from getting warts or ingrown nails? Children are particularly susceptible to warts from locker rooms and ingrown nails from rapid growth spurts or improper shoe fit. We provide Swift Microwave Therapy for pediatric warts and minimally invasive corrections for ingrown nails, ensuring a stress-free experience for both the child and the parent.