Paediatric Podiatrist Sydney

paediatric podiatrist

Dr. Louise is one of the very few podiatrists who is an expert in Children’s foot and leg problems in Sydney.

If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s feet/ legs, make an appointment!

It is better for us to assess the lower limb/feet than you worrying about the problem and trying to ‘google or Wikipedia diagnose’

This is what we are best at, so instead of worrying- just make an appointment!

Children’s feet are different from adult’s feet, they are not fully formed

It is essential that your child is assessed and treated by the top pediatric podiatrist in Sydney who is an expert in children’s feet. This is what we do all day every day!

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Sydney’s Best Clinic in solving Heel & Foot Pain

We are a RESULTS based clinic, we focus on solving YOUR heel or foot problem!

Over 15 years of experience, conference lecturing, University lecturing and tutoring, we are focused on SOLUTIONS that work & are practical!

pediatric podiatrist sydney

Development of Childrens’ Feet

At 6mths of age the foot is still mostly cartilage

The final bone in the foot does not start to form from cartilage until 3yrs

By 18yrs (an adult) most bones in the body are fully formed

A child’s foot is flexible, therefore easily damaged from abnormal pressure

Shoes that are too small can damage a child’s foot

pediatric podiatric Sydney

Lil Bubba’s

An infant’s foot should not be constrained

Balance is easier without footwear

All-in-one suits should be loose around the feet

Allowing the infant to kick freely is important for muscle development in the feet and legs

Walking Stage

Walking usually begins between the ages of 10 to 24 months of age.

Each child is unique in their walking development and if you are worried, contact our podiatry pediatric Sydney clinic at (02) 9922 3771 or make an appointment online.

The usual sequence is lying to sitting, crawling, standing, cruising, walking, running and then hopping. However it is not always in this sequence.

Some children walk with their toes pointing inwards (in-toeing) and some outwards (out-toeing), others walk on their toes (toe-walking). If you are concerned about your child demonstrating these activities then contact our pediatric foot doctor Sydney and make an appointment.

When your bubba begins to walk, shoes are not necessary inside the house.

Allowing babies to walk barefoot or just socks, helps the foot to grow normally and allows the natural grasping action of toes on the floor.

Most children grow out of in-toeing, out-toeing and toe-walking by 24months of age, however in most cases parents bring their children in for a check-up just in case, to test their joint ranges of motion in their feet and to pick up any problems very early.

Toe-walking is not a ‘normal’ occurrence and should be assessed.

Studies show an estimated 10-20% of children have flat feet.

Flat feet in children are not necessarily a problem.

If you are concerned about your child’s flat feet contact our podiatry pediatric clinic in Sydney and we will perform a complete lower limb biomechanical assessment.

If the feet/ legs / knees/ hips are causing pain, discomfort or affecting mobility then contact our child foot specialist in Sydney and make an appointment.

If a child is experiencing ‘growing pains’ then a lower limb biomechanical assessment should be considered immediately.

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Growing Feet – Yep They Are Expensive

top paediatric podiatrist

A child’s foot will double in size by the age of one year

The foot is approximately half their adult length by 18mths of age

Between the ages of 5 and 12 years the growth is approximately 9mm per year

An adult foot size is usually between 12 and 14 years of age

Socks and shoe sizes need to be changed frequently to accommodate for rapidly growing feet

Check shoe sizes every 1-3mths up to the age of 3 years, every 4mths then to the age of 5yrs, every 6mths from 5 years onwards

It is important that a shoe is fitted by a fitting specialist in children’s footwear to avoid discomfort and injury

Always measure and fit a shoe with the child standing as the foot spreads on weight-bearing

What to look for in a good Child’s Shoe & the Fit

Designed to protect the foot

Straight last

Broad toe box

Lace, buckle or Velcro fastening (not slip on)

Good sturdy heel counter

Stiff upper and sides

Flexible and sturdy sole

Covered toe box

A little room for forward, backwards and side movements

Room for growth (but not an excessive amount

Always have to foot measured in width and length

The shoe should follow the natural shape of the foot, especially around the toes

Ensure there is about 10mm of growing room from the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe

The shoe should be comfortable around the heel, not too tight or loose

Skin and Nails

Cut nails straight across

When skin and nail conditions occur for longer than one week- contact our podiatry clinic and book online for an assessment

Common children’s conditions include:

In-growing toe nails

Flaky toe nails

Athletes foot (tinea pedis)

Warts (verucca / plantar warts)

 Ringworn (fungal infections)

Sever’s condition

Heel pain

Toe walking

Flat feet

Rolled in arches

Knock knees

Shin pain

Knee pain

 Osgood Schlatters

Heel Pain

Occurs during growth stages

Usually between the ages of 8 and 13 years of age

Occurs with an increase of sporting activities

If it is limiting activity or occurs often, that is when to book into our pediatric podiatrist clinic in Sydney

Is usually at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon inserts or at the base of the heel where the foot touches the ground.

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Osgood Schlatters

Painful knee condition that tends to affect adolescents.

The tendon that attaching the quadriceps muscles to the shin bone becomes tight and causes inflammation and micro-fractures in the tibial tuberosity.

Most commonly affects active children aged 10 to 15 years.

Boys are more often affected than girls.

It often occurs during a growth spurt and is associated with physical activity.

pediatric podiatrist in Sydney

When to take my child to see the podiatrist’s at barefeet podiatry

If you notice the following problems with your child:

Pain

Flat feet

Feet ‘rolling in’

Bowed legs

Knock knees pain

Foot, leg or heel pain

Skin rashes, hard skin, lumps, bumps on the feet

Tripping or stumbling

Toes turning in (pigeon toes)

Walking on toes

Top of foot pain

Ball of foot pai

Calf pain / problems

Achilles pain / problems

 Side of the leg pain

Thigh pain

Toe issues – hammer toes, clawed toes

Buinions

Wear on the bottom of the shoes

It is best to make an appointment to see our pediatric podiatrists in Sydney if you have any concerns or questions about your child’ feet/ legs

This is what we are best at, so instead of worrying- just make an appointment!

Schedule an Appointment

Recent Case Studies

Downloadable Information On Childrens’ Feet

Information on “Childrens’ Feet”

Memberships and Accreditations