Pediatric Foot & Ankle Care in Frankfort, IL
Expert foot and ankle care for kids—from growing feet and sports injuries to heel pain, warts, ingrown toenails, and more.
Kids are active, growing, and not always great at explaining exactly where—or why—something hurts. At Illinois Foot and Ankle Center in Frankfort, Illinois, we evaluate and treat a wide range of foot and ankle problems in children and teens.
Whether your child is complaining of heel pain after soccer, repeatedly rolling an ankle, developing a painful ingrown toenail, or you’re simply wondering whether the way they walk is normal, we’re here to help determine what’s going on and what—if anything—needs treatment.
Our goal is simple: keep kids comfortable, active, and doing the things they love.
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Common Foot & Ankle Problems We Treat in Children
Heel Pain
Heel pain is common in active, growing children—particularly those involved in running and jumping sports.
One common cause is Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis), irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel. Children may complain that their heels hurt during or after sports, begin limping after activity, or have pain when the heel is squeezed.
Not every case of pediatric heel pain is Sever’s disease, however. A podiatric evaluation can help determine the cause and the appropriate treatment.
Sports Injuries
Soccer, football, basketball, baseball, dance, gymnastics and other activities put a lot of stress on growing feet and ankles.
We evaluate pediatric and teen athletes for problems including:
- Ankle sprains
- Foot and ankle fractures
- Stress injuries
- Tendon injuries
- Heel pain
- Repetitive-use injuries
- Pain related to foot structure or biomechanics
On-site digital X-rays are available when needed, making it easier to evaluate many injuries right in our office.
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More Pediatric Foot & Ankle Conditions
Flat Feet & Gait Concerns
Parents often notice things about the way their children stand or walk before the child ever complains of pain.
You may notice your child’s feet appear very flat, their ankles roll inward, their shoes wear unevenly, or they tire or complain of foot or leg discomfort during activity.
Many variations in children’s feet are normal and don’t require treatment. When symptoms are present, however, we can evaluate your child’s foot structure, gait and biomechanics and determine whether treatment may help.
When appropriate, treatment may include footwear recommendations, stretching, activity modification or custom orthotics.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can become surprisingly painful for children and teenagers and may cause redness, swelling or infection around the nail.
Treatment depends on the severity of the problem. For recurrent or significantly painful ingrown nails, an in-office procedure may provide longer-lasting relief.
Plantar Warts
Warts on the bottom of the foot can be painful and stubborn—especially when they’re located on a weight-bearing area.
Because plantar warts can sometimes resemble calluses or other skin lesions, we’ll first confirm what you’re dealing with and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Foot & Ankle Fractures
If your child twists an ankle, falls during sports or suddenly can’t comfortably put weight on a foot, it isn’t always easy to know whether you’re dealing with a sprain or a fracture.
We evaluate foot and ankle injuries and fractures in children and teens, with on-site X-ray available when appropriate.
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Does My Child Need to See a Podiatrist?
Not every unusual-looking foot or temporary ache needs treatment. But an evaluation may be worthwhile if your child:
- Regularly complains of foot, heel or ankle pain
- Limps during or after activity
- Frequently rolls or sprains an ankle
- Avoids activities because their feet hurt
- Has a painful or infected ingrown toenail
- Has a persistent or painful plantar wart
- Has flat feet accompanied by pain or fatigue
- Has difficulty fitting comfortably into shoes
- Has suffered a foot or ankle injury
- Has pain that isn’t improving as expected
Pain shouldn’t simply be dismissed as “growing pains,” particularly when it is persistent, one-sided, worsening, or limiting your child’s activities.
Pediatric Sports Foot & Ankle Care
We love helping young athletes stay active.
Growing bodies aren’t simply smaller versions of adult bodies. Growth plates, changing biomechanics and repetitive stress can produce problems unique to children and adolescents.
Our approach focuses on identifying why something hurts, treating the current problem and—when possible—addressing factors that may contribute to it happening again.
For young athletes, that may include evaluation of foot structure and biomechanics, footwear recommendations, rehabilitation, bracing or orthotics when appropriate, and guidance for safely returning to activity.
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A Kid-Friendly, Family-Friendly Podiatry Office
Going to the doctor can be intimidating for kids, so we try to make visits comfortable and straightforward for both children and parents.
And our office is definitely not your ordinary doctor’s office.
Don’t be surprised if your child finds a few unexpected things to look at while they’re here—including our office animals and a certain rather large Bigfoot who has become something of a local celebrity.
(Yes, we’re still a real doctor’s office.)
Pediatric Foot Doctor Near Frankfort, IL
Illinois Foot and Ankle Center provides pediatric foot and ankle care for children and teens in Frankfort, Tinley Park, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park and surrounding communities.
If your child has foot or ankle pain, has suffered an injury, or you’re concerned about the way their feet are developing, we’re happy to evaluate them and help determine the next step.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment
Have a question about your child’s feet or ankles?
Schedule an appointment with Illinois Foot and Ankle Center in Frankfort, IL.
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FAQ: Children’s Foot & Ankle Problems
What causes heel pain in children?
One common cause in active, growing children is Sever’s disease, which involves irritation around the heel growth plate. Other conditions can also cause heel pain, so persistent or activity-limiting pain should be evaluated.
Should I worry if my child has flat feet?
Not necessarily. Many children have flat feet without symptoms and don’t require treatment. An evaluation is more important when flat feet are associated with pain, fatigue, difficulty with activities or other concerns about walking or foot function.
Can a podiatrist treat children’s sports injuries?
Yes. Podiatrists evaluate and treat many sports-related foot and ankle injuries in children and teenagers, including sprains, fractures, heel pain and overuse injuries.
Does my child need an X-ray for an ankle injury?
Not every injury requires an X-ray. The decision depends on the location and severity of pain, examination findings and how the injury occurred. We have digital X-ray available in our Frankfort office when imaging is appropriate.
Do you treat ingrown toenails and plantar warts in children?
Yes. Both are common reasons children and teenagers see us, and treatment can be tailored to the child’s age, symptoms and severity of the condition.