Childrens Podiatry Thornbury

Healthy feet make milestones in your child’s life possible.

Your Local Podiatrist for Children’s Feet

Many people aren’t aware of the importance of podiatry for kids – but the development of their feet is a crucial part of life. At birth, a child’s feet is made of cartilage; as they grow and develop, it eventually becomes bone.

We are big believers in podiatry being for people of all ages, which is why we’re committed to helping your child every step of the way, from their precious first steps through to winning that big footy game.

Children's podiatry

Common Foot Problems in Kids

Our podiatrists see children for a number of common foot problems, including:

  • In-toeing (feet that turn inward when walking or running)
  • Flat feet
  • Sporting injuries
  • Knock knees or bow legs
  • Nail Conditions (like ingrown toenails and infections)
  • Osgood-Schlatter disease
  • Flat feet
  • Verrucae pedis
    (warts)
  • Sever’s disease
  • Shin splints
  • Calluses or corns
  • Curly toes

How Podiatry for Kids can Help

No age is too young to seek podiatry treatment. If you notice any of the following in your child, it’s time to schedule a consultation:

  • Any lower leg symptoms (such as pain, tenderness, or swelling)
  • An awkward gait or walk
  • Flat feet (beyond the age of five)
  • Uneven shoe wear
  • Poor posture and stability
  • Abnormally shaped toes
  • Non-walking (beyond the age of two)

It’s also a good idea to seek an assessment if you have a family history of foot problems, as early intervention can go a long way to helping your child’s feet grow and develop correctly.

Kid's podiatry

Are Orthotics Helpful for Children’s Foot Problems?

Many children can greatly benefit from orthotics. They help to improve foot function and lower leg mechanics, helping kids to become more stable on their feet and overall function better.
Orthotics can take the strain off the lower leg muscles and joints, which are prone to overuse in children. They can also help to reduce growing pains and symptoms associated with many foot problems (such as Sever’s disease).

Book a kids podiatry appointment for your child today!

Kid’s Podiatry: What to Expect

Children’s feet are very different to an adult’s, so they need to be treated as such. Our podiatrists are fantastic at explaining what’s happening with your child’s feet – what’s normal, what may need attention, and so on.
A paediatric foot assessment will involve a thorough medical history and checks to ensure that developmental milestones are being reached. It may also involve: 

    • Gait analysis (your child’s foot posture when walking)
    • Joint flexibility testing
    • Screening for ankle instability
    • Balance and coordination assessment
    • Foot and leg muscle strength testing
    • Biomechanical assessment
    • Footwear assessment

Depending on your child’s foot problem, your podiatrist may recommend one or a combination of the following treatments: 

    • Exercise-based management
    • Flexibility and balance programs
    • Soft tissue therapies
    • Taping
    • Orthotics
    • Regular monitoring (to ensure normal development occurs)

Your Children’s Podiatry Questions Answered

Yes. The arch in our feet usually develops throughout childhood and through puberty, but in some cases it never develops. If your child still has completely flat feet past age five, it’s worth bringing them in for an assessment. While we generally take a wait and see approach, there are things we can do (such as orthotics and footwear advice) to help.

Yes! There are a few possible causes for heel pain in children, including Sever’s disease, growing pains or growth spurts, tight leg muscles, and Achilles tendonitis. All of these are conditions that we can treat. If your child is complaining of heel pain, it’s best to have them assessed by a podiatrist to determine the cause.

Our feet and legs are crucial for hitting many developmental milestones, from rolling over and sitting up to crawling and walking. Regularly seeing a podiatrist and having any potential problems assessed can help to ensure that your child’s feet and legs are in perfect health, as well as go a long way to preventing future injury.

Yes. The most common cause of ingrown toenails in children is not cutting their nails correctly (either cutting them too short or down the sides), but wearing shoes that are too narrow can also contribute. There are surgical and non-surgical ways of treating ingrown toenails; your podiatrist can advise as to which solution will best meet your needs.

There are a number of things you can do to ensure that your child’s feet are kept healthy and developing correctly:

  • Inspect their feet regularly and seek professional advice if you are concerned about anything
  • Regularly checking your child’s shoes and socks to ensure they allow room for growth
  • Allow free movement of feet and legs from birth to allow for kicking and bending
  • Observe the way your child walks, looking for in-toeing, toe-walking, or knocked knees

Why Choose Talaria Podiatrist?

Local Community

We love being a part of the local Thornbury community and are committed to serving patients in the local area however we can.

Patients are the Priority

We care about our patients and want to ensure that we help them to reach their foot health goals – patients first is our motto!

Experienced Team

With a highly experienced podiatry team behind us, rest assured that your foot problem or injury will be in good hands.

Choose Talaria Podiatrists for Feet that Last a Lifetime

If your child is complaining of achy or sore legs and feet, is often falling over, or is having difficulty walking, we recommend having a podiatry assessment done. The team at our Melbourne podiatry clinic will be able to recognise and assess the biomechanics of their lower limbs and develop a management plan that monitors your child’s progression and growth. After all, feet should last a lifetime!

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