Kids/Paediatric Feet

Children’s Foot Care: Monitoring Growth and Preventing Issues

Children’s feet undergo significant changes as they grow, with various structural and biomechanical adjustments occurring throughout their development. While some foot-related issues are common during childhood, it is essential to monitor these changes closely. Our podiatrists are trained to assess and provide treatment for any foot-related concerns from birth through to the teenage years, ensuring optimal foot health during this crucial period of growth.

Common Conditions We Assess and Treat:

Clubfoot (flexible and rigid deformities)
Hip Dysplasia
Twisted or crossed toes
In-toeing (metatarsus adductus, tibial torsion, femoral anteversion)
Out-toeing
Knock-knees
Delayed crawling or walking
Frequent tripping or falling
Toe walking
Flat feet
Hypermobility
Ankle or knee pain
Growing pains (e.g., Severs Disease, Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease)
Ankle sprains

Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment:

Our podiatrists begin with a thorough assessment that includes a detailed history, particularly around your child’s birth and developmental milestones. This helps us identify any potential underlying issues. We then perform a full assessment of your child’s body, including the range of motion of their joints, muscle strength, and their walking/running patterns. Additionally, we evaluate footwear to ensure they are wearing shoes that fit correctly and suit their developmental needs.

Treatment Approach:

We do not adopt a “wait-and-see” approach, as early intervention is key to addressing any concerns that may affect your child’s quality of life or limit physical activity. Treatment strategies may include:

Specific exercises to perform at home, using playtime to make the activities fun and engaging.
Stretches and self-mobilisation techniques to target affected muscles.
Footwear modifications and, if necessary, the use of orthotics.
Bracing or support systems, such as splints, to assist with alignment.
Exercise modifications to help strengthen your child’s body, often involving activities like swimming, cycling, or walking on specific surfaces.
Parent education and advice, helping you understand what to expect regarding outcomes and timelines.
Referral to paediatric specialists if any underlying conditions are suspected.

Annual Assessments for Children:

We recommend an annual podiatric assessment for children starting at 12 months of age to monitor their biomechanics. As children grow rapidly, their muscles and joints may become overstressed, potentially leading to injury or pain. This can affect their overall well-being and restrict their activity levels. Early intervention allows us to address concerns before they become more significant problems.

Footwear:

Correctly fitting footwear is vital for a child’s development. Ensuring that your child wears the right shoes for daily activities and sports can prevent additional stress on their growing bodies. The wrong footwear can lead to discomfort and contribute to long-term issues, so it is crucial to choose shoes that provide the appropriate support and fit.

Open hours

Monday

8am – 7pm

Tuesday

8am – 7pm

Wednesday

8am – 7pm

Thursday

8am – 7pm

Friday

8am – 7pm

Saturday

8am – 1pm

SUnday

CLOSED

Contact us to book an appointment

If you would like to learn more about our services, or have some questions regarding our treatment options in our Mount Lawley clinic, feel free to give us a call.

You can reach us at (08) 9271 8805 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to answer your questions.