Children seem to have boundless energy, spending their days jumping, climbing, dancing, and running. Every adventure relies on the same foundation: their feet. As they grow, their feet are constantly changing and developing along with the rest of their bodies. That’s why it’s so important to recognize and treat problems promptly, to help support your child’s comfort and physical health.

Dr. Crystal Bradshaw of WVU Medicine is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon. She was inspired to pursue her career path partly from witnessing her mother struggle with ankle problems and undergo surgery. The surgery was a success, and her mother made a full recovery, with pain relief and restored mobility.

“Seeing the impact that specialized care had on her quality of life inspired me to pursue podiatric medicine,” says Dr. Bradshaw.

Dr. Bradshaw completed podiatry school in New York City and residency training in Washington, DC, then completed an additional year of advanced surgical fellowship training. She spent two years in private practice in North Carolina before she was offered the opportunity to join WVU Medicine, a decision she has never regretted.

“The people of the Ohio Valley have been incredibly welcoming, and I am grateful to be a part of this community,” she says.

Though she treats patients of all ages, Dr. Bradshaw especially enjoys working with children.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping children stay active during important developmental years. It is such a blessing to watch my patients grow up into young adults and succeed,” she says.

As a parent, it can be difficult to know when your child’s aches and pains are a normal part of growing or something more serious. Although children may grow out of some foot and ankle conditions as they develop, parents should never ignore persistent pain or problems with mobility.

“Some concerning signs include limping, difficulty keeping up with peers, recurrent ankle sprains, swelling, or changes in the way a child walks,” she says.

Children aren’t always the best at explaining their pain, so if you notice your child suddenly avoiding certain activities, there might be more to their change in behavior than just lack of motivation. Early assessment can help prevent small issues from becoming larger ones.

There are several conditions that Dr. Bradshaw sees in her pediatric patients, and one of the most common ones is flat feet.

“Having flat feet is often hereditary, and some children develop pain in the arches, heels, ankles, or even their legs because the muscles and tendons must work harder to support the foot,” she says. This can make certain activities like walking and running uncomfortable.

Other common conditions include heel pain related to growth plates and recurrent ankle sprains. Heel pain in children should never be ignored, especially in athletes. Because so many children are participating in competitive sports, they can be prone to overuse injuries. If left untreated, these conditions can become more severe and may require more complex treatment if not addressed early on.

It’s also becoming more common for children to participate in sports year-round with less breaks. In addition to growth plate issues and ankle sprains, Dr. Bradshaw also treats a lot of stress fractures.

“Prevention starts with wearing appropriate footwear designed for the specific sport,” she says. “Maintaining flexibility with regular stretching and following a healthy diet to support bone health are also important.”

Supportive footwear is essential for maintaining foot and ankle health for all children. Because children grow so rapidly, it’s important to check their shoe fit frequently to avoid wearing shoes that are too tight. Sizing varies between brands, so don’t just rely on a number when buying new shoes.

“Parents should look for shoes with a wide toe box, flexibility through the forefoot, and a secure fit around the heel. These features can reduce the risk of injury and allow the foot to function naturally as it grows,” says Dr. Bradshaw.

When a child has an injury or pain, Dr. Bradshaw’s goal is to explore all conservative approaches before considering surgery. These treatments include stretching programs, physical therapy, orthotics, bracing, shoe modifications, and anti-inflammatory options. With improvements in diagnosis and advancements in imaging techniques, podiatrists like Dr. Bradshaw can identify issues and treat them before they become more complex.

A typical workup for a pediatric patient usually includes x-rays to assess bone structure, a biomechanical exam, and a gait evaluation. Even when everything is normal, it provides reassurance and peace of mind.

“My biggest message to parents is that if you ever have even the slightest concern about your child’s foot or ankle, it is always worth having them evaluated. Persistent pain in a child is never normal.”

Sponsored content brought to you by WVU Medicine.