RGV Foot & Ankle Institute
Podiatry for
Children
Gentle, child-friendly assessment and treatment for growing feet — for families across McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, and the Rio Grande Valley.
Care for Growing Feet
Small feet, big difference
Children's feet are not just small adult feet — they're constantly developing, and early intervention can prevent issues that follow them into adulthood. From toddlers learning to walk to high schoolers playing sport, our paediatric podiatry care is designed to keep kids moving, growing, and playing pain-free.
We provide warm, child-friendly assessments in a calm clinic environment, so even nervous kids leave with smiles. We tell parents honestly when something needs treatment, and when it's a normal part of growing up that will resolve on its own.
No scary equipment, no rushed appointments — just careful, expert care for your child's feet.
Why Parents Trust Us
A clinic where kids feel comfortable
Kid-Friendly Approach
Calm, warm, and playful — our clinic is set up to put even nervous children at ease from the moment they walk in.
Developmental Expertise
Specific training in how children's feet grow and change, so we know what's normal at each age and what truly needs treatment.
Gait & Footwear Reviews
Detailed assessment of how your child walks and runs, plus practical guidance on the right shoes for school, sport, and play.
Parents as Partners
We explain everything clearly to you and your child, so you leave knowing exactly what's going on and what to do next.
Common Concerns
Reasons parents bring kids in
If you've noticed any of these, an assessment is worthwhile. Many concerns are easily addressed — and a few minutes of expert input can save months of worry.
- Flat feet that cause pain, tripping, or tiredness
- In-toeing or out-toeing (pigeon toes or duck feet)
- Heel pain — often Sever's disease in active kids
- Growing pains in the feet, calves, or knees
- Tip-toe walking beyond toddler years
- Frequent tripping, clumsiness, or falls
- Ingrown toenails, warts, or skin issues
- Sports injuries, sprains, and overuse pain
- Concerns about shoe wear or shoe fit
How It Works
What to Expect at the Appointment
Friendly Welcome
We take time to make your child comfortable — chatting, showing them the room, and letting them touch the equipment before anything starts.
Detailed Assessment
We review medical history, observe your child standing, walking, and running, and check joint range, muscle strength, and foot posture.
Clear Explanation
We explain what's normal, what's not, and what's likely to resolve on its own versus what benefits from treatment — in plain language.
Treatment Plan
If needed, we recommend strengthening exercises, footwear changes, custom orthotics, or activity adjustments — always matched to your child's age and lifestyle.
FAQ
Common Questions From Parents
At what age should my child see a podiatrist?+
There's no minimum age. Even babies and toddlers can benefit from assessment if you have concerns. Most kids we see are between 3 and 14 years old — when active play, sport, and rapid growth tend to bring foot issues to the surface.
My child has flat feet — is that a problem?+
Many young children naturally have flat feet that develop a normal arch over time. Flat feet only need treatment if they cause pain, fatigue, tripping, or limit your child's ability to keep up. A simple assessment can quickly tell you whether action is needed.
What is Sever's disease?+
Sever's disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is the most common cause of heel pain in active kids aged 8 to 14. It's caused by irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel from running, jumping, and growth spurts. It's not serious and almost always settles fully with the right management.
Will my child need orthotics?+
Not always. We only prescribe custom orthotics when there's a clear biomechanical issue causing pain or affecting function. Many children improve dramatically with strengthening exercises, footwear changes, or simply waiting for normal development — and we'll tell you honestly which category your child falls into.
My child tip-toe walks. Should I be worried?+
Occasional tip-toe walking is normal in toddlers learning to walk. If it continues past age 3, or if your child can't comfortably put their heels flat, it's worth an assessment — we can rule out tight calf muscles or other contributing factors and recommend simple stretches if needed.
How long does a children's appointment take?+
Initial paediatric appointments are 30 to 45 minutes — long enough to build trust with your child, complete a full assessment, and explain everything to you without rushing.
Is the appointment covered by insurance?+
Most insurance plans cover medically necessary podiatric care for children. Our McAllen front desk team will verify your benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs before the appointment. HSA and FSA accounts can typically be used.
Got a concern about your child's feet?
Book a paediatric podiatry assessment with Dr. Galvan and his team. Same-day appointments are often available across the Rio Grande Valley.
Other Services
Minimally Invasive Bunion & Hammertoe Surgery
Micro-incision bunion and hammertoe correction — minimal scarring, walk the same day, no general anesthesia.
Laser Nail Therapy
Advanced laser treatment for fungal toenails and psoriatic nails — safe, painless, and clinically proven.
Regenerative Therapies
PRP, prolotherapy, and biologic injections that accelerate your body's natural healing of chronic foot and ankle pain.