Paediatric foot and ankle

Abstract

The foot is a common source of parental concern and consultation with a primary care physician. The majority of foot conditions are benign and do not need specific treatment and only rarely is there a serious cause. A thorough understanding of normal foot development and physiological variations is essential to assess a paediatric foot and identify rare pathological conditions. Occasionally the cause of foot problems lies within the entire lower limb or spine. In this chapter, we will discuss common orthopaedic conditions and how to approach them, common pitfalls in assessment and how to stay out of trouble while dealing with parents or carers.