Podiatrists are trained to care for the feet and ankles of patients of all ages and activity levels. Many foot ailments originate in childhood and some are even present at birth. It is a good idea to seek the advice of a podiatrist if you notice something about your baby's feet or child's feet that doesn't look normal. As children grow and their feet continue to develop, foot problems can result from injury, deformity, illness, hereditary factors, and improper footwear. If you think you child has any foot ailments that make walking difficult or uncomfortable you should have a thorough examination performed by a podiatrist. A podiatrist can also provide advice on ways to prevent sports-related injuries when your child starts to participate sports.