Pediatric Foot and Ankle Injury Treatment in West Los Angeles

Gentle and Effective Foot and Ankle Care Designed to Relieve Pain, Speed Recovery, and Protect Your Child’s Growing Bones

Schedule Appointment

Common Types of Foot and Ankle Injuries in Children

Children are active and constantly on the move, which means foot and ankle injuries are common during sports, play, and everyday activities. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent long-term issues and to help kids get back to the activities they love. Some of the most frequent injuries we see include:

Ankle Sprains: overstretched or torn ligaments that cause pain, swelling, and instability.
Fractures (Broken Bones): ranging from small stress fractures to complete breaks in the foot or ankle.
Growth Plate Injuries: unique to children and teens, these injuries can affect normal bone development if left untreated.
Sever’s Disease (Heel Pain): an overuse injury that affects the growth plate in the heel.
Sports-Related Foot and Ankle Injuries: repetitive stress or sudden impact injuries from running, jumping, or contact sports.

Dr. Ishibashi specializes in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle injuries in kids, providing expert care that helps children heal properly and avoid long-term complications. If you need help with your child, Dr. Ishibashi is regarded as one of the best pediatric foot and ankle specialists in West LA.

Schedule Appointment

Woman and girl on bench in Los Angeles displaying common pediatric sports injuries.

How to Know What Type of Foot or Ankle Injury My Child Has

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a sprain, fracture, or growth plate injury, since symptoms like pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking often overlap.

A pediatric podiatrist can perform a physical exam and, if needed, imaging such as X-rays or MRIs to determine the exact type and severity of the injury. Getting the right diagnosis early is key to making sure your child heals correctly.

Los Angeles pediatric care offers conservative and surgical options for effective, faster recovery.

Treatment and Surgery Options for Children with Foot and Ankle Injuries

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Mild sprains and overuse injuries may only require rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and supportive bracing. Fractures or more severe injuries may need casting, walking boots, or physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. In cases where growth plates are affected or when conservative care isn’t enough, surgical treatment may be necessary. Dr. Ishibashi uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to ensure effective healing with less downtime.

Pediatric Foot and Ankle Conditions

How long does it take for a child’s foot or ankle injury to heal?

Healing time varies, but most sprains and minor fractures improve within four to six weeks. More complex injuries, especially those involving growth plates, may require longer recovery.

When should I take my child to the doctor for a foot or ankle injury?

If your child is unable to bear weight, has significant swelling or bruising, or their symptoms are not improving within a couple of days, it’s important to see a pediatric podiatrist.

Can foot or ankle injuries affect my child’s growth?

Yes, growth plate injuries in particular can impact bone development if not treated properly. That’s why early evaluation by a specialist is essential.

Where to Find a Pediatric Podiatrist in West LA

For parents seeking expert pediatric foot and ankle injury treatment in West LA, Dr. Ishibashi and the team at KIN provide compassionate, specialized care tailored to kids’ unique needs. From sprains to fractures and everything in between, we help your child recover fully and return to the activities they love with confidence.

Schedule an appointment for your child today and get peace of mind knowing they’ll be able to return to school, play, and sports with as little disruption to their lives as possible.

Schedule Appointment