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In the cases presented in this article only the broad aspects were considered. Special references were made to those signs and symptoms which are usually apparent on physical examination. The purpose of these discussions is to alert the podiatric clinician to the possibility of underlying associated systemic disease for further follow-up. The major diagnostic considerations concern involvement of the lower extremities and possible treatment of these disorders.

The cases and conditions reported in this article are but a minute sampling of the multitude of systemic conditions in which foot shape and position are valuable clues to associated serious illnesses in children. The podiatrist can contribute greatly by establishing important early diagnoses in these cases. Many times the podiatrist is the first-contact physician because of the early foot involvement. The podiatrist can make a valuable contribution to the health of children by recognizing early symptoms.

Excessive pronation of the feet is almost a universal condition among children, which is demonstrated as an abnormal weight-bearing position on hard, flat surfaces. Excessive pronation of the feet of children is closely associated with intrinsic and extrinsic skeletal deformity in adults; consequently, it must be neutralized as a basic necessity to most proper footcare, as the child grows. It must be a priority of podiatric medicine to develop a practical plan for supervision of foot health from the earliest weight bearing in infancy and to work in close cooperation with parents and pediatricians in doing so.