As a parent, you want the best for your child's health and development. While we often focus on their general well-being, one area that is sometimes overlooked is their foot health. Children's podiatrists play a vital role in ensuring your child’s feet are developing correctly and remain strong and pain-free as they grow. As Sydney’s leading children’s podiatrist, you can find trusted specialists to guide your child’s foot care.

What is a Pediatric or Children’s Podiatry?

A pediatric podiatrist is a healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower limbs in children. Unlike general podiatrists, pediatric podiatrists have expertise in managing conditions specific to the growth and development of young feet.

Children’s feet undergo rapid changes, especially in their early years, and having the right foot care can prevent long-term issues.

Why Foot Health is Important for Children

Children's feet are still developing until they reach their teens, and many issues can arise during this crucial phase. Early intervention is key to preventing more serious problems later on. Here are a few reasons why pediatric podiatry is so important:

Correct Development: Kids grow fast, and their bones and muscles are constantly changing. Misalignment, poor posture, and imbalanced gait can lead to long-term issues like back, knee, or hip pain.

Pain Prevention: Common childhood issues like flat feet, ingrown toenails, or toe walking can cause discomfort, and if left untreated, can worsen over time.

Sports Performance: Many children play sports or are very active, which can put strain on their feet. A pediatric podiatrist can assess their foot biomechanics and help prevent injuries.

Avoiding Long-term Problems: Conditions like bunions or hammer toes can develop in childhood, but they may not show symptoms until later. Early intervention can prevent the need for surgeries or costly treatments in the future.

Common Foot Problems in Children

There are several common foot-related issues that children may experience, and many of these can be treated or managed by a pediatric podiatrist:

Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Many children have flat feet, where the arch does not develop properly. While most children grow out of this, some may need arch support or other treatments to prevent pain and discomfort.

Ingrown Toenails: Ingrown toenails can be painful, and if left untreated, they can lead to infection. A pediatric podiatrist can offer advice on nail care and even perform minor procedures if necessary.

Toe Walking: Some children may walk on their toes rather than with their feet flat. This can be due to tight muscles or a neurological condition, and a pediatric podiatrist can help correct the gait issue.

Plantar Warts: These are viral growths that appear on the soles of the feet. While they are generally harmless, they can cause discomfort and spread if not treated.

Growing Pains: Children often experience growing pains in their legs and feet. A pediatric podiatrist can help distinguish between normal growth and signs of a potential issue that requires treatment.

Ankle Sprains or Injuries: Active children are at risk of spraining an ankle or suffering from other injuries that can affect their foot function. A pediatric podiatrist can guide rehabilitation and recovery.

How Can a Pediatric Podiatrist Help?

A pediatric podiatrist in Australia will first perform a comprehensive assessment of your child's foot and lower limb health. This includes:

A biomechanical assessment to understand how your child walks, stands, and moves.

Checking for any abnormalities in the feet, ankles, or legs.

Conducting tests to detect any signs of stress or discomfort, and to identify potential issues early on.

Once the assessment is complete, they will recommend a treatment plan, which may include:

Custom orthotics: Specially designed insoles to correct foot posture and alleviate pain.

Footwear advice: Ensuring that your child wears the right shoes for their age and activities.

Stretching and strengthening exercises: To improve mobility and muscle function.

Referral to other specialists: In some cases, a pediatric podiatrist may refer your child to a physiotherapist or a surgeon if they detect a more serious issue.

When Should You Take Your Child to a Pediatric Podiatrist?

While it’s always a good idea to be proactive about your child’s foot health, certain signs should prompt a visit to a pediatric podiatrist, including:

Persistent pain or discomfort in the feet or legs.

Difficulty walking or a noticeable limp.

Unusual wear patterns on shoes.

Complaints of foot or leg pain after physical activity.

Problems with posture or balance.

Age to See a Pediatric Podiatrist

Toddlers and children can see a podiatrist at any age if there are concerns about their feet, walking, or general foot health. Early intervention is often recommended for various issues, as children's feet are still developing and can benefit from timely assessments.

Infants (0-2 years):

While infants don’t usually need a podiatrist unless there’s an obvious concern, you can consult one if you notice:

Clubfoot or other birth defects.

Toe walking that doesn’t resolve by age 2.

Abnormal foot positioning, like in-toeing or out-toeing.

Toddlers (2-4 years):

By this age, toddlers are becoming more mobile, so it’s a good time to ensure that their feet are developing well. Reasons to visit a podiatrist include:

Flat feet that don’t form properly.

Toe walking continuing after age 2.

Pain in the feet, legs, or knees.

Children (4-12 years):

As children become more active, they may need podiatric care for:

Foot pain or discomfort.

Improper shoe wear patterns.

Gait issues or frequent injuries.

Adolescents (12-18 years):

Teens who engage in sports or physical activity often experience:

Heel pain (plantar fasciitis).

Overuse injuries from physical activity.

Foot posture issues that may lead to back or knee pain.

Finding a Pediatric Podiatrist in Australia

Australia has a large network of skilled and experienced pediatric podiatrists, you don't need a referral to book an appointment. You can easily find trusted podiatrists at our clinic Guildford Podiatry Centre, for children’s foot pains or search through local directories to connect with the right specialist for your child's needs.

Conclusion

Children’s feet are vital to their overall health and development. By regularly seeing a pediatric podiatrist, you can help ensure that your child's feet remain healthy and strong throughout their growth stages. From pain prevention to sports optimisation, a pediatric podiatrist can offer valuable advice and treatments to ensure your child’s comfort and mobility.

Remember, just like any other part of your child’s health, foot care should never be overlooked. It’s important to monitor any changes or discomfort your child may feel and address them promptly for their long-term well-being.