Pediatric Foot and Ankle Care in Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Children’s feet are constantly developing and changing. What seems like a normal variation in how your child walks might actually require professional evaluation. Dr. Jonathan Mollineda, DPM, Board Qualified ABFAS and Diplomate ABPM, specializes in pediatric foot and ankle care and helps young patients throughout Lauderdale Lakes and surrounding areas develop healthy, strong feet for active, pain-free childhoods. Early detection and treatment of foot and ankle problems can prevent complications that might affect your child’s mobility, sports performance, and overall quality of life.
Common Pediatric Foot and Ankle Conditions
Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Many children have flat feet, especially before age 3-4 when their arch is still developing. While many children outgrow flat feet naturally, some require intervention if they experience pain, poor balance, or if the condition persists into school age. Orthotics and specialized exercises can help correct this condition.
In-Toeing (Pigeon Toes): If your child walks with toes pointing inward, this is called in-toeing. While this often resolves on its own by age 8-10, severe cases or those causing pain or gait problems should be evaluated by a podiatrist like Dr. Mollineda.
Out-Toeing (Toe Walking Outward): The opposite of in-toeing, out-toeing is when the toes point outward. Though usually benign, significant out-toeing can affect balance and gait efficiency.
Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis): This is one of the most common causes of heel pain in active children ages 8-14, particularly those involved in sports. The growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and pulling from calf muscles. Symptoms include heel pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Plantar Warts: Children frequently develop plantar warts from barefoot contact in public areas. These can be painful and require professional removal using methods like cryotherapy or laser therapy with our Remy 45-Watt Class IV Laser.
Ingrown Toenails: Common in children and adolescents, ingrown toenails can cause significant pain and infection if left untreated. Proper nail care and professional intervention when needed prevents complications.
Developmental Milestones and Foot Health
Understanding normal foot development helps parents recognize potential problems: Ages 0-2: Flat feet are completely normal; arches typically haven’t developed yet. Ages 3-5: Arches begin forming; a slight in-toe or out-toe gait may still be present. Ages 6-8: Gait patterns should normalize; any persistent walking abnormalities warrant evaluation. Ages 9+: Foot structure approaches adult proportions; sports-related injuries become more common.
When Should Parents Be Concerned?
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mollineda if your child exhibits: Persistent pain in the feet, ankles, or legs; Difficulty keeping up with peers during play or sports; Limping or favoring one foot; Complaints of tired or aching feet; Toe-walking that persists after age 3; Severe in-toeing or out-toeing affecting balance; Recurrent tripping or falls; Refusal to participate in activities they previously enjoyed; Visible swelling, redness, or signs of infection; Warts or other skin conditions on the feet.
Sports Injuries in Young Athletes
Active children are prone to foot and ankle injuries. Common sports-related pediatric foot problems include: Ankle sprains (the most common sports injury; repeated sprains can lead to chronic instability), Growth plate injuries (stress fractures in areas where bones are still growing), Achilles tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon connecting calf muscles to the heel), and Stress fractures (tiny breaks in bones from overuse, common in running and jumping sports).
Dr. Mollineda works with young athletes to treat injuries promptly and safely, allowing them to return to their favorite activities. He can also recommend prevention strategies and appropriate footwear for different sports.
What to Expect at a Pediatric Foot Exam
Dr. Mollineda takes a patient, child-friendly approach to pediatric evaluations. During a typical visit, he will: Observe your child’s gait and how they stand and walk; Examine foot structure, flexibility, and alignment; Assess for any pain or tenderness; Check for skin conditions, warts, or nail problems; Discuss symptoms and activity level with both parent and child; Recommend appropriate treatment or monitoring.
For children with anxiety about medical visits, our bilingual staff in English and Spanish helps ensure your child feels comfortable and understood.
Supporting Healthy Foot Development
In addition to professional care, parents can support foot health by: Choosing proper footwear that provides support and room to grow; Encouraging physical activity and sports participation; Maintaining good foot hygiene; Limiting time in tight, restrictive shoes; Monitoring for early signs of foot problems.
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Dr. Jonathan Mollineda and Sunshine Foot and Ankle LLC provide comprehensive pediatric foot and ankle care for children in Lauderdale Lakes, Tamarac, Plantation, Lauderhill, North Lauderdale, Margate, and throughout Broward County. We’re located at 2951 NW 49th Ave, Suite 204, Lauderdale Lakes. Call us at (754) 296-5900 to schedule your child’s evaluation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Foot Care
Q: At what age should my child first see a podiatrist?
A: While there is no set age, Dr. Jonathan Mollineda recommends a pediatric foot evaluation if your child experiences persistent foot pain, frequent tripping, difficulty keeping up with peers, or visible abnormalities such as flat feet or in-toeing. Children as young as 2-3 years old can benefit from early assessment. At Sunshine Foot and Ankle LLC in Lauderdale Lakes, FL, we provide gentle, child-friendly evaluations to catch potential issues before they affect your child's mobility and development. Call us at (754) 296-5900 to schedule an appointment.
Q: Is it normal for toddlers to have flat feet?
A: Yes, flat feet are completely normal in toddlers and young children up to about age 5-6. The arch typically develops as the child grows and the muscles and ligaments in the foot strengthen. However, if flat feet persist beyond age 6, cause pain, or limit your child's ability to participate in activities, a professional evaluation is recommended. Dr. Mollineda can determine whether your child's flat feet require monitoring, custom orthotics, or other treatment at our Lauderdale Lakes office, conveniently serving families in Tamarac, Plantation, Lauderhill, and Margate.
Q: What are signs of a foot problem in children?
A: Common signs that your child may need to see a podiatrist include persistent foot or ankle pain, limping or favoring one leg, frequent tripping or clumsiness beyond the toddler years, complaints about tired legs, reluctance to participate in physical activities, walking on tiptoes after age 3, visible skin conditions such as warts or ingrown toenails, and shoes wearing unevenly. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Mollineda at Sunshine Foot and Ankle LLC. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can prevent more serious problems later in life.
Q: Does insurance cover pediatric foot care visits?
A: Yes, most insurance plans cover pediatric podiatry visits. Sunshine Foot and Ankle LLC accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Healthcare (Medicaid only). We recommend calling our office at (754) 296-5900 to verify your child's specific coverage before your visit. Our friendly bilingual staff can assist you in English and Spanish — Se habla Español. We're located at 2951 NW 49th Ave, Suite 204, Lauderdale Lakes, FL, and welcome families from throughout Broward County.