PEDIATRIC CARE
Pediatric Foot & Ankle Care in Billings, MT
Kids' feet and ankles aren't smaller adult feet. Open growth plates and developing bones change how injuries heal and how conditions present. We treat the full range of pediatric foot and ankle care.
(406) 256-0077Acute injury? Same-day appointments may be available.
Call (406) 256-0077 to check availability, or see our urgent care page for details.
Why Pediatric Care Is Different
Kids' bones are still developing. They have open growth plates (the cartilage areas where bone continues to grow) and bones that haven't fully ossified into adult-like structure. Those two facts change almost everything about how injury and pain present, heal, and need to be treated.
An injury that would be a routine sprain in an adult might be a growth plate injury in a child, with implications for growth if it's not recognized and managed correctly. A persistent heel ache in a teenage athlete might be Sever's disease, a specific condition that responds to specific treatment. Generic urgent care evaluation, focused on adult patterns, can miss these.
A board-certified foot and ankle surgeon evaluates pediatric injuries in the context of pediatric anatomy and development. That's what makes the difference.
Common Pediatric Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat
Heel Pain in Young Athletes (Sever's Disease)
The most common cause of heel pain in kids ages 8 to 14, especially during active sports seasons. Sever's disease is an inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel. It's not serious if caught early and treated correctly, but it can sideline a kid for weeks if ignored. We evaluate, diagnose, and build a return-to-sport plan.
Growth Plate Injuries
Fractures that go through the growth plate (Salter-Harris fractures) need careful evaluation and follow-up. Most heal well with appropriate treatment, but some require precise reduction and protection to prevent growth disturbance. We diagnose and treat these, and we monitor recovery to make sure the growth plate heals properly.
Pediatric Fractures and Sprains
Broken toes, foot fractures, ankle fractures, and sprains in kids. We evaluate, image when indicated, and treat with attention to the pediatric considerations that adult care often misses.
Freiberg's Infarct and Other Pediatric-Specific Conditions
Conditions like Freiberg's infarct (a problem affecting the head of a metatarsal bone in adolescents) and other accessory bone or developmental conditions. These are rare enough that general practitioners may not recognize them, but they have specific diagnostic features and treatment paths.
Symptomatic Flat Feet
Many kids have flat feet without any pain or limitation. When flat feet are causing pain or affecting activity, we evaluate the structure, gait, and contributing factors. Treatment can range from supportive footwear or custom orthotics to surgical correction in select cases.
Stress Fractures in Young Athletes
Kids who suddenly increase training intensity can develop stress fractures, just like adult athletes. We diagnose with appropriate imaging, manage the healing, and address the training factors that contributed to the injury.
When to Bring Your Kid In
If any of these are happening, call us:
- Persistent foot or ankle pain that's been going on more than a few days, especially during a sports season
- An acute injury where they can't bear weight, the foot or ankle is visibly deformed, or there's significant swelling and bruising
- A limp that doesn't resolve in a day or two
- Foot pain that's changing how they walk or what activities they'll do
- A non-healing wound or skin breakdown
- Anything that just doesn't seem right
For acute injuries that look serious, call us first. Same-day appointments are available when our schedule allows. For obvious emergencies (open fractures, severe deformity, loss of circulation), go to the ER first.
Care for the Whole Family
When we treat your kid, we know we're also talking to a parent. We explain the diagnosis, the treatment options, the recovery timeline, and what to watch for, in plain language. We answer your questions. We coordinate with your child's pediatrician when it's helpful. We make sure both you and your kid leave the appointment with a clear plan.
For young athletes, return-to-sport planning is built into the treatment. We don't just clear them when the pain is gone. We clear them when they can safely do what they came to us to get back to doing.
Related Conditions
Questions? Call us at (406) 256-0077.