Did you know your Child could benefit from Podiatry?

Did you know that Podiatry can be beneficial for your children?

Just like adults, the way our little people walk can contribute to overloading joints, muscles and ligaments in the feet, legs, knees, hips and sometimes back.  This can lead to pain and discomfort, or unco-ordination and clumsiness, and in some cases can compound and lead to issues later in life.
 
Children can also suffer from ingrown toenails, and foot warts and less commonly callus and corns. 
 
What to look out for:
If you notice any of the below, or have any concerns with the way your child is walking, it is best to have your little one assessed.

• Complaining of pain in the feet, legs, knees, hips or back
• Flat or high arches
• Walking on the tippy toes
• Knocked knees or bowed legs
• Bunions
• In toeing (or being Pigeon toed)
• Tripping more than expected
• Uncoordinated
• Inability to climb stairs
• Inability to run
• “W” sitting
• Family history of painful feet, knees or back that may be caused from the way their feet function.
• Redness, pain or signs of infection around the toenails
• Hard or unusual looking skin on the feet

How you can help your Child

• Observe your little one walking, running and playing, and if they look awkward, seek a professional opinion
• Keep a check on how they are tracking with respect to their milestones
• Check their feet for any areas of hardened skin
• Ensure your child is wearing good supportive shoes for school
• Ensure that your child is wearing appropriate footwear for their specific sport
• Ensure the shoes are the correct length and width for your little one
• Check shoes for unusual or early signs of wearing

We all want our Children running and playing happily, and not having to stop because of pain.

Our recommendation is that it is best to have the way your child is walking assessed if they are complaining of pain in their feet or lower limb.  It is also ideal to have a podiatry consultation for your child if you are concerned about how they are walking.  Sometimes it may not something you have noticed, but a relative or friend, or even teacher at school has observed something different with how your little one is walking.
 
Foot Factor Podiatrists are trained to assess and determine if the way your little one is walking is detrimental.  This involves taking a thorough medical, development and family history, a gait and muscle strength and footwear assessment.  In most cases, your little ones walking can be easily enhanced through specific exercises, stretching, footwear suggestions and support for the feet. 
 
If your child has ingrown toenails, callus or foot warts, our podiatrists have all the tools necessary to resolve these.
 
More information about Children’s feet can be found on the “Podiatry For Children” tab on our website – click here.

“Your Feet Matter to Us”.