Children’s Podiatry

When you notice your child is experiencing pain in their ankle or feet, it’s a sign that you should bring them to our office to get it assessed, diagnosed and treated by a professional podiatrist.

Whether your children are experiencing foot pain or not, we recommend visiting us annually for a foot exam. Regular checkups can detect conditions in their early stages, allowing their normal physical development to continue unhindered.

It is not normal for children to experience foot or lower limb pain for more than a few days. There are a few common things we should look out for, so these problems could be addressed effectively to achieve positive outcomes.

These include balance problems such as regular tripping or falling that may be a sign of in-toeing or neuromuscular conditions. Hesitation or reluctance to take part in any physical activity may also be a sign that your children are experiencing foot or lower limb pain.

A children’s podiatrist specialises in assessing and treating foot, ankle and walking concerns in babies, children and teenagers. They focus on growth, development and movement patterns to ensure healthy lower limb function.

You should see a podiatrist if your child has pain, frequent tripping, an unusual walking style, flat feet that cause symptoms, toe walking, persistent in-toeing or out-toeing, or uneven shoe wear.

Flat feet are common in young children and often improve as the arches develop. Treatment is only needed if the flat feet cause pain, fatigue or difficulty keeping up with peers.

Frequent tripping can be linked to coordination issues, muscle weakness, in-toeing, reduced balance or poor footwear. A podiatry assessment can identify the reason and provide exercises or footwear advice.

Occasional toe walking can be normal, especially in toddlers. Persistent toe walking may be related to tight muscles, sensory preferences or neurological conditions. Early assessment is recommended.

Assessment may include checking joint mobility, muscle strength, balance, foot posture and gait. We also look at your child’s walking, running and standing patterns to understand how their feet and legs are developing.

Orthotics can be helpful for children who experience pain, have poor foot posture, recurrent injuries or difficulty with sport. Not all children need orthotics, and many issues improve with exercises and footwear changes alone.

Supportive shoes with a firm heel counter, flexible forefoot and secure fastening help growing feet develop well. Your podiatrist can recommend shoes suitable for your child’s activity level, foot shape and school requirements.

Treatment depends on your child’s age, condition and physical development. Some concerns resolve within weeks while others, such as structural or developmental issues, may require longer monitoring.

Yes. We see children and teenagers for heel pain, ankle sprains, knee pain, growth plate irritation and overuse injuries. Early assessment helps prevent long term issues and keeps children active.