Children's Podiatrist Toowoomba.
During childhood, all of the bones in our feet start to harden – ensure that your child’s developing feet are well taken care of.
What is Paediatric Podiatry ?
A podiatrist is an expert in all things feet, ankles, and legs – including the bones, joints, soft tissue, skin, and complex biomechanics. We provide prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of illnesses and injuries to the lower extremities.
When it comes to children’s podiatry, however, we also take into account that their feet, toes, ankles, and legs are still developing. As kids grow and gain strength and stability, problems can arise that can affect their ability to continue to walk normally and continue the regular development of their bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissue. As kids get even older and are constantly running and playing, legs and feet can become excessively sore and tired if the foot posture and alignment are irregular.
Common Foot Issues inChildren
Kids are always growing and changing – it can be difficult for parents to know what is normal in terms of foot development and what is not. We treat a number of common foot issues at Optimise Health, including:
Toe Walking
When a child walks on their tippy toes.
Pigeon Toes
Also known as in-toeing; when the toes point inwards.
Out Toeing
When the toes point outwards when walking.
Flat Feet
When there is little to no arch at the bottom of the foot.
Growing Pains
Common in children aged 3 to 4, then again in the preteen years.
Ingrown Toenails
One of the most common problems we treat in children.
Athlete’s Foot
A fungal infection often caught by walking barefoot.
Warts
Another common problem in children that can spread easily.
Foot & Lower Leg Pain
Often caused by sports and as a result of certain conditions.
You are the best person to know your child. If something does not look or feel quite right about the way they walk, run, or stand, it is wise to consult with our professional team. Prompt referral by one of our competent childrens podiatrists can be effective to the long-term health of your child.
By being initiative-taking and responsive to your child’s needs, you are setting them up for a future where movement is effortless, pain-free, and enjoyable. After all, healthy feet help build confidence—one step at a time.
Other warning signs that your child needs to see a podiatrist:
Delayed Walking or Difficulty Walking
Most children walk on their own between the ages of 12 and 18 months. If your child is not walking by 18 months or appears wobbly or uncomfortable walking, it could be a sign that all is not right. This could be a result of foot shape, muscle tone, lack of coordination, or neurological complications. Our childrens podiatrists would be able to check your child’s development and, if necessary, create a personalised management plan or make further referrals.
Painful Complaints in the Feet, Legs, or Knees
Kids may not always be able to define pain, but if your child consistently avoids physical activity, limps when walking, or wakes up at night with painful legs, it is something worth exploring. These symptoms may indicate conditions such as growing pains, Sever’s disease (painful heels), or overuse injury. Our specialised podiatrists can perform a full evaluation to help identify the cause and provide personalised care, such as footwear recommendations, stretching exercises, or orthotic wear.
Ongoing Tripping or Clumsiness
Little children are bound to be slightly uncoordinated. However, if your child keeps tripping, stumbling, and falling over frequently compared to other children, it can be attributed to poor foot posture, balance problems, or neuromuscular disorders. A consultation with one of our kids podiatrists can rule out structural or functional aberrations and achieve better stability through specialised therapies or shoe recommendation.
Asymmetric Shoe Wear
Take a look at the soles of your child’s shoes. Are the soles worn down more on one side than the other? Uneven wear can indicate abnormal walking patterns or postural disorders, such as pronation (rolling inwards) or supination (rolling outwards). These disorders can then feed through to the knees, hips, and back. Our podiatrists can perform a gait analysis to determine the issue and help identify your child’s walking mechanics.
Unusual Posture or Abnormal Standing Position
Does your child stand or sit in an unusual way? For example, leaning forward all the time, standing with inverted knees, or not being able to stand still for more than a minute or two? These could be symptoms of biomechanical problems. A childrens podiatrist can examine your child’s stance and movement and fix any problems and improve development.
Family History of Foot Problems
Most foot and gait problems, including flat feet, bunions, or gait deviations, are genetic. If you or close family members have experienced foot issues, it is a good idea to have your child’s feet evaluated early. A kids podiatrist can track their development and provide early prevention measures against future issues.
When to see an Experienced Children’s Podiatrist ?
We recommend making an appointment if your child complains of sore, tired, or painful legs and feet. We also recommend making an appointment if you notice that your child is avoiding certain activities (such as standing and walking), if they’ve been diagnosed with a condition that may affect their feet (such as spina bifida), or if you have other concerns about the development of their lower limbs.
What to Expect at Your Child’s Podiatry Appointment ?
At your child’s first appointment, our podiatrist will take down a full medical history and perform a thorough examination of their feet and lower limbs. If a problem is suspected, your child may also be sent for X-rays and other tests. Once the assessment is complete, we will provide treatment recommendations (such as custom orthotics, lifestyle changes, or even surgery in severe cases).
If you’re worried about your children’s feet, their development, or you’ve noticed something unusual, you’ve come to the right place.
Tips for Choosing Shoes for Your Child
Did you know that poor-fitting shoes can lead to foot issues, such as lifelong gait problems, severe pain, and even mobility problems? This is why your child must be wearing the correct shoe size.
- Check that there is enough room for slight forward, backward, and side movement.
- Ensure that there’s about 10mm of space between your child’s toes and the end of the shoe.
- Look at the natural shape of your child’s feet and choose shoes with a similar outline.
- If foot pain is experienced while wearing a high-quality shoe, have a podiatrist assess the fit and shape.
Remember that children have rapidly growing feet, so it’s not uncommon for shoes to fit them well one week and be too small the next. This is why it’s important that you regularly perform the above checks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children's Feet .
What causes children’s foot problems?
There are actually many possible causes for foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. These include genetic factors, birth defects, trauma, and overuse injuries. Children with certain conditions (such as cerebral palsy) are also at higher risk of developing foot problems.
Is flat feet something my child will “grow out of”?
Most children are born with extra fat in the arch area of the foot, which can make them appear to have flat feet for the first few years of their life. If your child still appears to have flat feet at three, it’s a good idea to have them assessed by a podiatrist.
Does health insurance cover children’s orthotics?
Parents whose children need orthotics are often concerned about the cost. The good news is that private health insurance The good news is that private health insurance may cover some of the cost of orthotics (keep in mind that this will depend on your insurer and the level of coverage you hold).
Are foot problems hereditary?
Yes, some children’s foot problems can be hereditary. If a foot issue runs in your family, it’s important that you take your child to see a podiatrist from a young age to ensure that their feet are developing the way they should be (and to discuss treatment options if they aren’t).
Need a Childrens Podiatrist in Toowoomba or Warwick? Choose Optimise Health.
Our team of highly qualified pediatric podiatrists is here to help your children walk and play pain-free, whether they’re experiencing a momentary foot issue or experiencing a lifelong problem. We can diagnose and treat all types of foot, ankle, and lower leg problems and offer a range of treatments to improve your child’s foot health.
If your child is experiencing any sort of pain, discomfort, or unusual behaviour in their lower extremities, be sure to get in touch with Optimise Health today.
