Children's Podiatrist Sydney

At our North Sydney Podiatry Clinic, we have over 35 years in treating children's podiatry, offering expert care and treatment for a wide range of foot and lower limb problems affecting young ones.

Our dedicated children podiatrist North Sydney team is highly trained and equipped with extensive knowledge in paediatric foot health, ensuring your child receives the highest standard of podiatric care.

Our podiatrists understand the unique challenges and requirements involved in treating children's foot problems and are committed to providing a friendly, supportive environment where children and parents feel comfortable and well-informed about their treatment options.

Development of Children's Feet

Children's feet are fundamentally different from those of adults, primarily because they are not yet fully formed.

At birth, and even up to 6 months of age, a kid's foot is mostly composed of cartilage. This means their feet are incredibly soft and pliable. The process of these cartilages ossifying (turning into bone) is gradual. The last bone in the foot doesn't begin its formation from cartilage until around the age of 3 years.

Remarkably, a child's foot can double in size during their first year of life. By the time the child reaches 18 months, the foot is approximately half of its adult length. This rapid growth continues, albeit at a slower pace, throughout childhood. Between the ages of 5 and 16 years, the foot grows about 1 - 1.5mm per month on average.

Most children will reach their adult foot size between the ages of 14 for girls and 16 for boys. The bones in the foot are almost fully formed by the time they are 18 years old, which is generally true for most bones in the body.

Don’t Neglect Your Child's Feet

Foot conditions and injuries in adulthood can often be traced back to early childhood, highlighting the importance of monitoring children's feet during their developmental stages.

Early podiatric assessments are crucial, as children are vulnerable to issues from factors such as biomechanical abnormalities, growing pains, improper footwear, and hereditary influences.

These checks can correct developmental and structural abnormalities, ensuring a solid foundation for lifelong mobility and comfort.

Unaddressed foot issues can result in complications like improper posture, foot pain, knee discomfort, ankle pain, leg pain, shin splints, stress fractures, lower back pain and additional problems.

Conditions We Treat

Common abnormalities with lower limb biomechanics in children may affect their walking, posture, and overall physical development.

Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

While some degree of flatfoot is normal in very young children, flat feet persisting beyond the age of 5 or 6 may require podiatry services. Flat feet may lead to foot pain and leg problems and could have a significant impact on walking and engaging in physical activity.

Out-Toeing/In-Toeing

Out-toeing occurs when child's feet point significantly outward when walking or standing, rather than 7 - 10 degrees slightly out. In-toeing occurs when the feet turn inward when walking, this is sometimes referred to as pigeon toes. It can occur in one leg or both.

Both conditions can stem from a variety of causes, including lower limb alignment and hip or muscle imbalances. While many children outgrow out-toeing or in-toeing without podiatrist intervention, some may require treatment to address underlying issues and prevent discomfort in the legs or developmental problems.

Curly Toes

Curly toes are characterized by one or more toes bending downward and under, often touching the floor. This condition is usually congenital, meaning it is present at birth, and is caused by a tightening of the tendons that control toe movement. It can lead to discomfort, difficulty wearing shoes, and problems with walking if severe and untreated.

Toe Walking

Toe walking is a pattern where a child walks on their toes without putting much or any weight on the heels or the rest of the foot. While it's common for children to experiment with toe walking when they're learning to walk, if it persists beyond the toddler years, it may require a visit to a podiatry clinic. It can be associated with developmental differences, neuromuscular conditions, or muscle tightness.

Sever’s Disease (Heel Pain)

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children who are active in sports. This heel pain occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed, often due to overuse and repetitive stress from physical activity. It can also be exacerbated by poor foot mechanics

Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain)

Osgood-Schlatter Disease, a common cause of knee pain in active children, is marked by discomfort and swelling at the tibial tuberosity, the area in the legs just below the knee where the patellar tendon connects to the shinbone. This condition typically emerges in children who keep active, especially those experiencing growth spurts and engaging in sports. It can also be made worse by poor foot alignment

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails happen when the toenail's edge cuts into the adjacent skin, leading to discomfort, swelling, and potential infection. This can often be caused by improper nail trimming or tight footwear in children.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and appear on the soles of the feet. They can be painful, especially when standing or walking.

Tarsal Coalition

Tarsal coalition is a congenital condition where two or more of the tarsal bones in the foot are fused, either by bone, cartilage, or fibrous tissue. This fusion can lead to pain, stiffness, and a flatfooted walking pattern (i.e. flat feet). While not always immediately symptomatic in young children, symptoms often emerge during the growth spurts of adolescence. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to managing symptoms and preventing long-term complications.

How Can A Podiatrist Help?

Our children's podiatry team is committed to addressing and finding the most effective ways to treat children's foot problems through comprehensive podiatry services. Our podiatrists focus on the health and well-being of your child's feet, utilising paediatric biomechanical assessments that thoroughly examine lower limb biomechanics, muscle structure, and walking patterns.

These assessments take into account various factors, including sports activities, footwear, and medical history, to devise a personalised podiatry treatment plan.

Our podiatrists use a range of podiatry treatments designed to address specific foot issues, including the development of custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, ingrown toenail surgery, topical treatments for warts, and sports podiatry including exercise rehabilitation programs.

Our extensive experience in podiatry allows us to offer targeted podiatry services, ensuring the best solution for every child's foot care needs. Progress is closely watched, with necessary changes made to the treatment plan for the best results.

To help your child find relief and get to the root of their discomfort, schedule a podiatry appointment today. Contact our podiatry team by calling (02) 9954 3445 or filling out our booking form for a comprehensive podiatry assessment.

What to Bring to My Appointment

For your child's appointment with the child's podiatrist, please bring the following to help assess their feet effectively:

Their current set of footwear, encompassing both sports shoes and everyday shoes
A pair of shorts to ensure your child can comfortably participate in the assessments

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should Children See a Podiatrist?

Children should see a podiatrist to ensure their child's foot health is monitored for any signs needing professional evaluation. Here's a list of symptoms that suggest it might be time to see a podiatrist:

Leg pain, especially lower limb pain
Foot pain including heel pain, arch pain and ankle pain
Growing pains
Difficulty walking or running
Limping
Frequent tripping or stumbling
Walking on toes
Toes turning in
Feet rolling in
Changes in foot appearance
Redness and soreness around toenails
Itchy, flaky or peeling skin (sometimes caused by Tinea Pedis i.e. Athlete's Foot)
Numbness or tingling
Skin rashes
Lumps or bumps on feet
Uneven shoe wear

Scheduling an annual foot exam with a podiatrist is crucial, even if your child shows no signs of leg or foot issues. These regular check-ups can play a vital role in the early detection of conditions as children grow, ensuring their legs and overall physical development proceed without interference.

What Is Considered Proper Footwear for Kids?

In children's podiatry, what is considered proper footwear for kids is footwear that supports the rapid growth and needs of a child's feet. It's advised to regularly check and update shoe sizes for children to prevent issues like ingrown toenails and ensure comfortable, supportive shoes as they develop. For children up to 3 years old, adults should check shoe sizes every 1-3 months, every 4 months up to 5 years old, and every 6 months after that.

Are Flat Feet in Children a Cause for Concern?

Flat feet in children are not always a cause for concern, especially in toddlers, as the arch may develop with age. However, if flat feet persist beyond the age of five or are accompanied by pain, difficulty walking, or an unusual walking pattern, it's important to consult a podiatrist.

A specialist can assess the child's feet, identify any underlying issues, and recommend appropriate treatments or interventions to ensure healthy foot development.