Children’s Podiatry Services in Canberra
Podiatry support for growing feet
Children’s feet and legs change significantly as they grow. While many changes in foot posture, walking and movement are part of normal development, some concerns may benefit from assessment, monitoring or treatment.
A children’s podiatry assessment can help determine whether a concern is part of normal growth or whether something else may be contributing. We look at how your child’s feet, ankles and lower limbs are developing, as well as how they walk, move and participate in everyday activities. Early assessment can be helpful when pain, movement changes or recurring problems are affecting comfort, confidence or activity.
When to bring your child to a podiatrist
You may consider a podiatry assessment if:
Your child reports pain in their feet, ankles or legs
You notice a change in the way they walk or run
They trip or fall more often than expected
Their shoes wear unevenly or are difficult to fit
They avoid certain activities because of discomfort
You are unsure whether something you have noticed is part of normal development
Podiatrists can help children stay active as they grow
Foot, ankle and lower limb conditions that our podiatrists assess
Heel pain
Flatfeet/rolling in
Toe walking
Intoeing/pigeon toed
Outtoeing/penguin walk
A limp when walking and running
Frequency tripping, balance issues and/or general clumsiness
Delayed walking
Foot, ankle, leg, knee, thigh pain
Generalised hypermobility
Reoccurring ankle rolls
Growing pains
Ingrown toenails
Curly or claw toes
Bunions
Knocked knees
Bowed leg
Warts
Limb length difference (one leg longer than the other)
Podiatrists can assess and treat children’s sports injuries and activity-related pain
What happens in a podiatry paediatric assessment?
We ask about your child’s birth and developmental history, general health, activity levels, and the nature of any pain, injury or concern.
We assess joint range of motion, muscle length, strength, flexibility and reflexes.
We look at foot posture, lower-limb alignment, walking and running patterns, and any compensations.
This may include activities such as hopping, jumping, balance tasks and sport-specific movements.
We assess whether your child’s footwear is appropriate for their foot shape, fit and activities.
We discuss the findings with you and explain any relevant treatment options.
In some cases, the best approach may be advice and a period of monitoring as your child grows. Follow-up may be recommended at 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the concern and stage of development.
If further assessment is required, we can refer to an appropriate specialist or health professional. Reports can also be forwarded to referring practitioners where needed.
Podiatry treatment for children is tailored to their age and stage of development
When treating children, our podiatrists take the time to explain the condition and treatment in a way that both the child and their family can understand, while making sure everyone has the opportunity to ask questions.
Treatment options for children may differ from those used for adults with the same condition. Recommendations are tailored to your child’s age, stage of development, symptoms, activity levels and individual needs.
When recommending treatment for children, we take their age and stage of development into account, including:
- Whether the treatment has been shown to be safe and appropriate for children
- Biological differences between children and adults
- The changes that occur as children grow and whether the condition may change over time
- Your child’s comfort, preferences and response to treatment
- Their ability to understand and participate in the treatment being recommended
Podiatry care options our podiatrists may recommend include:
- Footwear advice and help choosing suitable shoes
- In-shoe devices such as orthotics, cushioning, padding and heel raises
- Bracing or other supportive devices where appropriate
- Stretching, strengthening and balance exercises
- Advice on temporarily modifying activities that may be aggravating symptoms
- Taping techniques, with instructions for parents, carers or coaches where suitable
- Hands-on treatment such as massage and joint mobilisation
- Advice on symptom relief strategies such as ice and appropriate over-the-counter pain relief