SECTION ASK THE EXPERT
Growing Pains In Children Or Merely Flat Feet? By Dr. John Goodner
F
oot, ankle and leg problems in the growing child are often considered to be “Growing Pains” in the bone and muscles of the lower extremity. While in a small number of cases this might be true, in a majority of the cases the pains that plague these children and teenagers may be caused by lower extremity malalignment problems.
Growing pains are often seen in children who are excessively flatfooted or whose feet point to the outside. Children may also appear very knockkneed. Tight calf muscles can not only cause but significantly aggravate the pain that these children are experiencing, especially at night. Leg pain is most commonly seen, especially at night after a long day of activity. Pain with activities, especially along the inside of the knee, lower leg, ankle and foot, may also be experienced. This
realign and “correct” the flatfoot. An excellent prognosis is always seen when the cause is identified and the problem treated.
is often associated with a general avoidance of activities and sports and premature fatigue with many activities. Many children can also develop lower back pain. Treatment is important early on. Changing a child’s shoe gear to add more support to the foot and ankle may provide immediate help. Avoiding barefoot and flat shoes is necessary. Custom molded orthotics (shoe inserts) will immediately help to realign the foot and the entire lower extremity. This will almost overnight eliminate the problem. Physical therapy may also help to decrease overall muscle tightness and to improve muscle strength and coordination. If the foot is flat and associated with tight calf muscles, stretching the calf muscles in a walking cast is critical to not only eliminate the problem but to prevent a recurrence. If the flatfoot deformity is severe, there is a small percentage of children that will benefit from a procedure to
Dr. John Goodner is a Board Qualified Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgeon with the Foot, Ankle and Leg Specialists of South Florida and specializes in sports medicine foot and ankle injuries, foot and ankle arthroscopy, lower extremity trauma, and lower extremity deformities in infants, children, teens and adults. The South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine in Plantation is located at 220 S.W. 84th Avenue, Suite 102, 954-720-1530. The practice website is www. SOUTHFLORIDASPORTSMEDICINE.com.Instagram @ SouthFloridaSportsMedicine. Twitter @SFLSportsMed
ACCEPTING: MEDICARE •BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD • UHC • CIGNA • AETNA • AV MED • AMBETTER • TRICARE WORKERS COMP • ACCIDENTS/LOPS • SIMPLY • STAYWELL • SUNSHINE • BETTER HEALTH • OSCAR • MEMORIAL PHO
South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine
FOOT, ANKLE, & LEG SPECIALISTS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
OPEN DAILY FOR SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS & TELEMEDICINE DURING THE COVID19 CRISIS
PEDIATRICS
• Flat feet • High Arches • Fractures • Growing Pains • Warts
• Toe Walkers • In Toe • Out Toe • Limping • Ingrown Nail
FRACTURES Why go to an Emergency Room? All Foot, Ankle, and Leg Fractures in Children and Adults! FOOT AND ANKLE ARTHRITIS Total Joint Replacement, Ankle Replacement, Arthroscopy, Fusions, Joint Realignment
CARTILAGE INJURIES Microfractures, Cartilage Transplants, Osteochondral Grafting RECONSTRUCTIVE FOOT, ANKLE AND LEG SURGERY Flat Foot, Bunions, Hammertoes, Ligament Repair, Achilles Tendon Tears, Arthritis Surgery SPORTS MEDICINE Tendon and Ligament injuries, Heel Pain, Shockwave Therapy, PRP & Stem Cell Injections, Arthroscopy and Tendoscopy, Shin Splints, Compartment Syndrome
SERVING OUR PATIENTS FOR OVER 30 YEARS Dr. Warren Windram, D.P.M.
Board Qualified FOOT, ANKLE, & LEG SPECIALIST
Dr. John Goodner, D.P.M.
Board Qualified FOOT, ANKLE, & LEG SPECIALIST
Dr. Robert Sheinberg, D.P.M. - In Loving Memory -
Dr. Carlo Messina, D.P.M.
Board Certified FOOT, ANKLE, & LEG SPECIALIST
WESTON
PEMBROKE PINES
954-389-5900
954-430-9901
1600 Town Center Blvd.
17842 NW 2nd St.
Dr. Michael Cohen, D.P.M.
Board Certified FOOT, ANKLE, & LEG SPECIALIST
PLANTATION
220 S.W. 84th Ave., #102
954-720-1530 SATURDAY HOURS
Make Your Appointment Online at www.SouthFloridaSportsMedicine.com
FOOT, ANKLE & LEG QUESTIONS? EMAIL THE DOCTOR! DrJohnGoodner@gmail.com (Don’t Send Protected Health Information)
IMEs • Personal Injury • Worker’s Compensation Most HMOs/PPOs • All Foot Ankle & Leg Emergencies Same Day Appointments • Saturday Appointments Early Morning & Evening Appointments
SELF PAY RATES (Procedure cost is in addition to office visit.) New Patient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200 Surgery Consult . . . . . . . . . . . $200 Injections . . . . . . . . . .$75 per shot Casts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$175 Follow Up Visit . . . . . . . . $50-$100 Orthotics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $350 Ingrown Nail . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125 X-Rays . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 per area PRP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$600 Shockwave (3 sessions) . . . . $500 Laceration Repair . . . . . . . . . $250 Wound Care . . . . . . . . . . .$75-$125 (FOR CHRONIC HEEL PAIN & TENDONITIS)
SPORTS MEDICINE ASSOCIATES (Self Pay Rates Do Not Apply To This Practice Below)
Dr. Al DeSimone, M.D. Board Certified SHOULDER & KNEE SPECIALIST
Dr. Fernando Moya, M.D. Board Certified SHOULDER & KNEE SPECIALIST
24 / Our City / March 2021 / OurCityMedia.com
Dr. David Shenassa, M.D. Board Qualified HAND & WRIST SURGEON
Dr. Alexander Bertot, M.D. Board Certified SPORTS MEDICINE SPECIALIST
Dr. Franz Jones, D.O. Board Certified SPINE SPECIALIST
