Children's Podiatry
Assessment of walking, growth-related pain and development for children and adolescents.
Children's feet are not small adult feet, and a lot of what worries parents is normal development that will resolve on its own. Equally, some things genuinely benefit from early intervention. The most useful thing we can offer is a clear answer on which is which — and the confidence to stop worrying where nothing needs doing.
What's involved
Walking and gait assessment
In-toeing, out-toeing, toe walking and flat feet assessed against developmental norms for your child's age, not against an adult template.
Growth-related pain
Sever's disease and Osgood-Schlatter's are common in active kids through growth spurts. Both respond well to load management and targeted strength work.
Balance, coordination and delayed walking
Where milestones are delayed or coordination is a concern, assessment and onward referral if something outside podiatry needs looking at.
Hypermobility
Common in gymnasts and dancers. Managed by building strength through range rather than restricting movement.
What to expect
Your appointment, stage by stage.
Assessment
History, physical examination, gait and movement analysis, and objective strength testing where it's relevant. We're building a picture of what the limb can currently tolerate.
Diagnosis
A clear explanation of what's happening and why — in plain language, with the reasoning shown. Imaging or onward referral where it will change the plan.
Treatment
A staged plan combining manual therapy, exercise prescription, footwear or orthotic support and activity modification, weighted to what your presentation actually needs.
Follow-up
Re-testing against the baseline so progress is measured, not assumed, and the plan adjusts as capacity improves.
Common questions
Children's Podiatry, answered.
My child has flat feet — do they need orthotics?
Often not. Flexible flat feet are normal in young children and most arches develop with time. Orthoses are worth considering when there's pain, fatigue or a functional limitation — not on appearance alone.
At what age can my child be seen?
Any age. We see toddlers through to adolescent athletes. The assessment and the explanation change with age, but there's no minimum.
Is it worth coming if there's no pain?
If something about how your child walks or runs is worrying you, a single assessment appointment is usually enough to either reassure you or start a plan. Both are useful outcomes.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you're in pain, an assessment is the only way to know what's actually happening — book online or call 9284 0736.
Related
Rehab & Conditioning
Targeted exercise programs that build the capacity the injured limb is missing.
Orthotics & Footwear
Footwear assessment and orthotic prescription where they genuinely add something.
Sports Podiatry
Assessment, rehabilitation and return-to-sport planning for foot, ankle, knee and hip injuries.