Pediatric Foot & Ankle
At the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute, we treat the following Pediatric Foot & Ankle Conditions.
Located at 5325 Greenwood Avenue, Suite 203, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, the
Our clinic is dedicated to treating congenital and acquired conditions affecting the pediatric foot and ankle.
To request an appointment please contact us.
Meet Our Specialists
Dr. Williams is one of the few pediatric foot and ankle surgeons in the world. With over 20 years of experience in California before joining the Paley Institute, she brings deep expertise in treating congenital deformities and traumatic injuries. She focuses on how the foot functions through growth and is dedicated to empowering children worldwide through thoughtful, individualized care.
Dr. Dobbs is a world leader in pediatric orthopedics and the founder of the Dobbs Method for treating vertical talus. He co-leads global efforts in clubfoot treatment and developed the PERCs approach for children with cerebral palsy. His innovative work supports children with spina bifida and other complex conditions, always with a goal of delivering personalized, high-quality care.
Our clinic is dedicated to treating congenital and acquired conditions affecting the pediatric foot and ankle.
We specialize in:
We specialize in:
Intoeing
Intoeing is very common and there are three very common reasons for such. The thigh bone, shin bone and/ or foot can be internally rotated. Varying degrees of this can be normal in a developing child. An examination is most helpful.
Pediatric Flatfeet
Pediatric flexible flatfoot is a foot type void of a coalition. There is no rigidity with subtalar joint or midfoot motion. It is important to remember that a flatfoot in and of itself is not pathologic. The longitudinal arch develops over the first 10 years of life. The severity of pronation is the driving force toward pain and intervention. See us for an evaluation.
Tarsal Coalitions
A coalition is an unusual attachment of often two bones. Some children do not complain of absolute pain. They may complain of fatigue, stiffness or a "foot feeling stuck sensation." There are a wide range of procedures performed to treat coalitions. An evaluation is key.
Early Walking/ Developmental Concerns
Children initiate walking at different ages. There are many factors that play into walking and motor development. Most children will begin walking between 12-18 months of age. See us if you have any concerns with walking or how your child is moving.
Early Walking/ Developmental Concerns
Children initiate walking at different ages. There are many factors that play into walking and motor development. Most children will begin walking between 12-18 months of age. See us if you have any concerns with walking or how your child is moving.
Prenatal Consultations
Prior to baby’s arrival we are delighted to perform consults and provide information on clubfoot, vertical talus, lower limb deformities, spina bifida, and any other musculoskeletal concerns often noted on Ultrasound. Come see us.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail is when part of the nail grows and impinges on the skin. This can cause inflammation and at times infection. We have office procedures we can perform to reduce pain and or minimize regrowth.
Kid’s Shoes
Various foot types benefit from specific children’s shoes. The width of the shoe along with the sole of the shoe is important.
Pediatric Orthotics/Bracing
Children can develop plantar warts, rashes, and skin irritation to various braces or shoes. We have many options for care.
Skin Problems
Children can develop plantar warts, rashes, and skin irritation to various braces or shoes. We have many options for care.
Outtoing
It is important to remember that a flatfoot in and of itself is not pathologic. The longitudinal arch develops over the first 10 years of life. The severity of pronation is the driving force toward pain and intervention. From a conservative standpoint a rigid supportive shoe (a shoe that does NOT bend in the middle) with orthotic can be helpful. If pain or issues persist there are surgical options we can discuss based on deformity, pain, age of patient and any other preexisting conditions.
Clubfoot
Talipes Equinovarus, typically referred to as clubfoot, is when the foot is rotated inward. Not only is the entire foot adducted and in varus but there is often a tightness of the posterior leg (Achilles). This condition does not improve without treatment. Often treatment involves a series of casts to gently manipulate the foot. This is called the Ponseti Method. Well-molded casts are applied to the foot and come all the way up upon the thigh.
Toe walking
Toe walking is a common concern among families. There are many thoughts and established reasons for this gait pattern. Often this is noticed when young children walk quickly or run. In stance (standing still) the child will then be visualized with the heel gradually purchasing the floor. There are other children who cannot physically get their heels to the ground. An examination is most helpful.
Pediatric Fractures
There are many types of fractures unique to the pediatric population. With x-rays, casting services, and a surgical center present, our team can deliver quality care in an efficient manner.
Vertical Talus
This condition requires the Dobbs method, founded by Matthew Dobbs MD. This is a series of casts and manipulations to straighten the foot. At infancy, the foot is severely abducted and can demonstrate a rockerbottom deformity. Casting is followed by pinning and a release of the Achilles. We are eager to meet your family.
Metatarsus Adductus
Metatarsus Adductus is inward deviation of the metatarsals (the long bones of the foot). Children often demonstrate toes drifting inward. Treatment of this condition often depends on angulation (severity), rigidity, and age of presentation. This condition is not clubfoot. Come see us.
Pediatric Toe Deformities
Polydactyly ( Extra or duplicated toes) is one of the most common concerns in children. Polydactyly can present in many forms with or without syndactyly (webbed toes). Many elect for surgical removal of the duplicated toe(s) to assist with shoegear use later in life.
Pediatric Congenital Deformity
Children can be born with various conditions such as clubfoot, vertical talus, polydactyly, contractures, absent bones, dislocated hips and/ or knees. An examination is most helpful in development of a treatment plan.
Pediatric Congenital Deformity
Children can be born with various conditions such as clubfoot, vertical talus, polydactyly, contractures, absent bones, dislocated hips and/ or knees. An examination is most helpful in development of a treatment plan.
Apophysitis (Sever’s/ Heel Pain)
Inflammation of the growth center of the heel is very common at a time of growth. Apophysitis can also involve the 5th metatarsal base region in the pediatric population. We are here to help.
Pediatric Bunions
Sudden onset of pain and swelling in the midfoot can be associated with a brief change in vascularity of the Navicular. Treatment options exist. We are here to help.
Pediatric Fractures
There are many types of fractures unique to the pediatric population. With x-rays, casting services, and a surgical center present, our team can deliver quality care in an efficient manner.
Pediatric Fractures
There are many types of fractures unique to the pediatric population. With x-rays, casting services, and a surgical center present, our team can deliver quality care in an efficient manner.
Kohler’s
Sudden onset of pain and swelling in the midfoot can be associated with a brief change in vascularity of the Navicular. Treatment options exist. We are here to help.
PERCs
This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to reduce specific contractures often seen in children with cerebral palsy/spasticity. Immediate walking follows these procedures to keep children strong. We have tremendous experience in this approach to care worldwide.
Nail Patella Syndrome
This condition can often present with various foot deformities such as clubfoot and/ or vertical talus along with dislocation of the patella. We are skilled in treating these conditions in infancy and as the child develops. See us soon.
Cerebral Palsy/ Spasticity and PERCs
With over 25 years of experience with Dr TS Park, Dr Matthew Dobbs has developed the approach called PERCs to minimize joint contractures typically noted with children who have cerebral palsy/ spasticity. This procedure also works well in conjunction with SDR.
Pediatric Sports Injuries
Injuries may be acute or associated with overuse. There are many types of injuries unique to the pediatric population. With x-rays, casting/bracing services, physical therapy, and surgical center present, our team can deliver quality care in an efficient manner. We are here to help.
Spina Bifida and Musculoskeletal concerns
Our team is specialized and has tremendous experience with all musculoskeletal concerns and joint problems in pediatric patients with spina bifida. We utilize strategic surgery, bracing, physical therapy, and spinal stimulation. We looking forward to see you.
Spina Bifida and Musculoskeletal concerns
Our team is specialized and has tremendous experience with all musculoskeletal concerns and joint problems in pediatric patients with spina bifida. We utilize strategic surgery, bracing, physical therapy, and spinal stimulation. We looking forward to see you.
Valgus Foot
Some children present with flat pronated feet with pain and/ or fatigue. Others may have various conditions that too predispose them to severe valgus foot deformities. We are here to help.
Neuromuscular / Genetic Conditions
We treat all genetic, neuromuscular, and developmental conditions. Children with secondary conditions need a multidisciplinary approach to minimize deformity recurrence. Our team is here and ready to help.
Hip Development/ Hip Dysplasia
We are here to treat all infant and pediatric hip conditions. At times, multiple joints may be affected, and we have excellent approaches to treatment.
Cavus Foot (High Arches)
Children can have higher arched feet which may be painful. Others may have other neuromuscular conditions which lead to weakness and a higher arched foot type. An examination is very helpful.
