Paediatric Podiatry is the branch or sub-speciality of Podiatry dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of clinical conditions affecting the feet of children.
The early detection and monitoring of morphological and/or structural changes during the developmental stage and the process of learning to walk allow the podiatrist to act preventively as well as correctively, through conservative and multidisciplinary treatments, ensuring healthy growth.
The clinical manifestations in paediatric podiatry are mostly related to musculoskeletal disorders or to skin and nail conditions.
To understand, diagnose and treat these pathologies that affect the foot, it is important for the podiatrist to have a deep knowledge of all the developmental stages, starting with knowing which embryonic tissues give rise to it and determine its morphological appearance. In addition to this bone development, there is also the formation of other structures such as the muscles and their respective tendons, as well as blood vessels and peripheral nerves.
As such, awareness of congenital anomalies, variations in locomotor development—such as bone development and osteoarticular alignment—is essential for a correct assessment and early detection of clinically relevant findings.
Footwear is a very important external factor that can compromise the normal development of the foot, as well as facilitate the appearance of dermatological conditions. During podiatry consultations, care is always taken to inform parents about the main characteristics they should consider when choosing shoes for their children.
In podiatric practice, it is common to identify the following conditions during childhood:
– Flat foot (flattening of the plantar arch)
– Cavus foot (increased height of the plantar arch)
– Clinodactyly (morphological or structural alteration of the toes)
– Genu valgum and genu varum (alteration in knee alignment)
– Onychocryptosis (ingrown toenail)
– Plantar viral papilloma (plantar warts)
– Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
See a Podiatrist regularly!
Authors:
Prof. Dr. João Martiniano – Director of the Teaching Area of the Podiatry Bachelor's Degree at the Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa – Lisbon and Coordinator of the Podiatry Clinic at the Hospital da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa and Podiatrist at PodoSaúde Sul
