Kids Feet
Looking after a child's feet and legs from a young age can positively impact their development into adolescence and adulthood. The feet are the foundation of the body and will impact the alignment of the ankles, knees, hips and upper body, impacting the likelihood of developing many conditions or injuries into adulthood.
Our Podiatrists assess a range of conditions including...
In-toeing (pigeon toe)
Out-toeing (cowboy/Charlie Chaplain walk)
Flat feet
Overlapping toes
Tripping
Limping
Ingrown toenails
Heel pain
Growing pains.
Many of these conditions require no treatment at all and can be a normal part of the growing process. When they do require treatment, we will put in place a treatment plan that is suitable for the individual child.
Treatments may include...
Stretches
Strengthening exercises
Orthotics
Shoe Changes
Massage
Foot strengthening
Braces/taping
Foot mobilisation
Children's feet are different?
Children's feet are vastly different from adults. A baby's foot is most cartilage (soft bone) and the last bone does not usually form until we are around 3 years of age. By the time we hit 18, most of the bones are fully formed. Most conditions that affect kids are completely different and are caused by different factors than those that affect adults.
Kids Shoes
Kids' feet are soft and malleable, they should not be put into rigid, tight or restrictive shoes that can increase the risk of damage. The feet should have room to spread, curl, flex and extend and allow for natural movement of the feet. The same goes for even younger children, they should not be restricted in rompers, socks, booties or shoes which impede their ability to freely kick or bounce without putting pressure on the toes.
Once kids start walking they will require shoes that protect them from the ground outdoors. These shoes should be soft-soled (i.e rubber), low cut and have plenty of room for the toes to wiggle. When it is safe and appropriate to do so, kids should be allowed to be barefoot in the home and in safe environments outdoors. This allows them to build muscle strength, proprioception and balance. It allows their neuromuscular system to develop at a normal rate and will decrease their risk of foot and leg injuries later in life.
Our highly qualified and award-winning podiatrists are experts in children's feet and it's our commitment to provide the highest quality of care to each individual. We are dedicated to providing entirely tailor-made diagnosis and treatment services that get results fast. Book a consultation with our Podiatrists to discuss your child's feet and we will get them back pain-free, doing the things they love as quickly as possible.