Pediatric Podiatry Specialist
Willamette Foot & Ankle
Myles Knutson, DPM
Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Lake Oswego, OR
If your child regularly complains about foot or heel pain, it’s important to meet with a qualified podiatrist. At Willamette Foot & Ankle, board-certified podiatrist Myles Knutson, DPM, offers pediatric podiatry for children and teens. He has years of experience diagnosing and treating a variety of childhood foot and ankle issues, including plantar warts, flat feet, and heel pain. To make an appointment for your child, call the office in Lake Oswego, Oregon, or click the online booking feature today.
Pediatric Podiatry Q&A
What is pediatric podiatry?
Pediatric podiatry diagnoses and treats foot and ankle-related injuries and illnesses in children and teenagers.
Young people experience many of the same foot and ankle issues as adults. Even so, they tend to live more active lifestyles, and their bodies are rapidly growing. As a result, they’re more susceptible to certain conditions. Routine checkups with Dr. Knutson can provide peace of mind, ensuring your child’s feet and ankles remain healthy and pain-free.
What conditions does pediatric podiatry treat?
Dr. Knutson uses pediatric podiatry to treat various conditions, including:
Ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when your child’s nail grows into the soft skin surrounding their toe. Most ingrown toenails resolve on their own, but if your child has diabetes or another circulatory issue, it’s important to seek professional help.
Plantar warts
Plantar warts are tough, round growths that develop on the weight-bearing areas of your child’s feet like the heels and soles. Warts aren’t serious, but they can be painful. Dr. Knutson offers several types of treatment, including surgical wart removal and cryotherapy.
Flat feet
If your child has flat feet, it means their arches make direct contact with the ground whenever they stand up or take a step. Most children develop arches as they grow older, but some don’t. In some cases, flat feet increase the risk of leg pain, back pain, and mobility issues.
Heel pain
Heel pain often occurs because of plantar fasciitis –– an overuse injury that develops due to general wear-and-tear. Heel pain is especially common in children and teens who participate in high-impact activities like soccer, basketball, or long-distance running.
What happens during a pediatric podiatry appointment?
Dr. Knutson tailors pediatric podiatry appointments to each child’s needs. For example, if your child experiences heel pain, Dr. Knutson tries to identify the underlying cause. To do that, he examines your child’s foot, gently presses on it to pinpoint areas of sensitivity, and orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or a CT scan.
After determining the source of your child’s discomfort, Dr. Knutson develops a patient-centric treatment plan that relieves pain and encourages your child’s quality of life.
To make a pediatric podiatry appointment for your child at Willamette Foot & Ankle, call the office or click the online scheduling feature today.