Foot and Ankle Conditions in Children

Children and teens experience foot and ankle conditions that differ significantly from those in adults. Because their bones, joints, and soft tissues are still developing, issues such as congenital deformities, sports injuries, and growth-related problems require specialized care. Common concerns include pediatric foot deformities like clubfoot as well as youth sports injuries such as a sprained ankle or osteochondral lesion of the talus.

One critical consideration in children’s orthopedic care is any injury to a child’s growth plate. This is an area of developing cartilage near the ends of long bones. If not properly managed, injuries to these areas can lead to long-term complications such as limb length discrepancies or angular deformities. For this reason, it’s essential that children with orthopedic injuries be evaluated by orthopedic specialists trained in pediatric care, who understand how treatment decisions affect future growth and function.

At HSS, our team of board-certified, specialty-trained pediatric orthopedic doctors provide expert care for thousands of infants, children, and adolescents each year for diverse congenital, developmental, and traumatic musculoskeletal conditions. Our goal is to restore mobility, prevent complications, and help every child return to the activities they love with confidence.

Learn more about children’s foot and ankle injuries, conditions and treatments in the pages below.