Hey, grown-ups! Children need regular checkups of their feet too! On Sesame Street, Burt and Ernie, Big Bird, Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster and more, help teach children their ABC’s and 123’s.  Dr. Vimal Reddy with the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic wants to help parents do the same thing with their kid’s feet. Many foot problems develop at a young age. When caught early enough, severe problems can be prevented or at least minimized. At Jacksonville, FL based office Dr. Reddy can address the needs of children’s feet—including:

How to identify if there is a problem: A.  Whoops…Ouch!: If your child complains of pain in the feet, knees, and ankles, or you notice regular tripping and falling, there     could be lower body alignment issues. B.   New Shoes Too Soon?: If the "wear and tear" in your child’s shoes are uneven or excessive, your child may have an unusual gait or foot position. C.  Carried Away: A child that insists on being carried more than normal may suffer from pain or difficulty walking. To diagnose the issue Dr. Reddy will analyze walking patterns, choice of shoes, and muscle function, to determine if there is an inherited foot problem present. A comprehensive "foot physical exam" should be performed:

1. As soon as a child is able to walk
2. At age 3 when the foot is more developed
3. When starting grade school
4. Before engaging in any kind of sports or physical activities.

If you or someone you know may have questions or concerns about their children’s feet, make an appointment to see Dr. Reddy at the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.