Children require a special level of care and attention when it comes to their growth and development, especially for their feet and legs. From learning to walk to running confidently across the playground, their lower limbs play a vital role in helping them explore the world around them. Healthy feet are essential for everyday activities, whether that’s playing sport, joining in school events, or simply enjoying outdoor adventures.
At Sydney Podiatry Foot and Ankle Clinic, we understand that children’s feet are not just smaller versions of adult feet – they are still developing and require specialised care. Our paediatric podiatry services are dedicated to supporting children from their first steps through to their teenage years, ensuring healthy growth, proper movement patterns, and the prevention or management of common foot and leg conditions.
Children’s feet are not simply smaller versions of adult feet — they are still developing, with bones, muscles, and ligaments gradually forming and strengthening over time. Because their feet are more flexible and sensitive, they are more prone to certain conditions and require specific assessments tailored to their stage of growth.
Early detection and management of foot issues are crucial. Left untreated, some conditions can cause discomfort, affect a child’s mobility, or lead to long-term problems in adulthood. That’s why paediatric podiatry focuses on identifying concerns early and guiding healthy development through each stage of growth.
Children’s foot care is unique because their feet are still developing and are more vulnerable to problems than adult feet.
Suppose you’re concerned about your child’s foot health or the way they walk. In that case, paediatric podiatry offers specialised care through assessment, early detection, and effective treatment of foot and leg issues in children of all ages. A paediatric podiatrist can provide the right support to ensure your child’s feet develop healthily and comfortably. A paediatric podiatrist can help with:
By understanding the underlying causes of these issues, we can develop targeted treatment plans that promote healthy, pain-free movement.
At Sydney Podiatry Foot and Ankle Clinic, we provide more than just treatment – we support healthy growth through comprehensive care, including:
We also provide fundamental advice needed to improve foot function, prevent future problems, and ensure confident movement for your child, combining up-to-date expertise with a modern, positive approach.
Children’s feet and legs are constantly growing and developing, which means they may sometimes experience problems that differ from those seen in adults. At our clinic, our paediatric podiatrists are highly experienced in identifying, diagnosing and treating a wide range of concerns that can affect your child’s movement, comfort and overall development. Below are some of the most common conditions we see in children:
Flat feet (overpronation): When the arch of the foot collapses inward, affecting posture and gait.
High-arched feet (supination): Can cause instability, balance issues, and increased injury risk.
In-toeing (pigeon-toed walking): Often related to hip, leg, or foot alignment.
Sever’s disease: Heel pain caused by growth plate inflammation, common in active children.
Ankle pain and sprains: Often linked to sports or poor foot alignment
Ingrown toenails: Painful nail growth into surrounding skin, sometimes needing gentle intervention.
Plantar warts: Caused by a viral infection, often picked up in communal areas like swimming pools.
We believe in a thorough and compassionate approach to children’s foot care. Every consultation is designed to be child-friendly, engaging, and reassuring, so your child feels comfortable throughout the process.
We begin with a detailed review of your child’s medical history, lifestyle, and activities. Understanding their daily routine helps us identify potential contributing factors to their foot concerns.
Our podiatrists then carry out a physical assessment to check foot shape, muscle tone, flexibility, and alignment. This is followed by gait and movement analysis, where we observe how your child walks, runs, or stands. We also use age-appropriate tests to evaluate balance, strength, and coordination.
Once we’ve identified the underlying issues, we create a tailored treatment plan. This may include:
Children’s feet change quickly as they grow, which means regular check-ups are important. We provide ongoing monitoring to track progress, make adjustments to orthotics or footwear, and ensure your child’s development stays on track.
We create a friendly and welcoming space so children feel at ease from the moment they arrive.
Our podiatrists use simple, positive language to explain each step and reduce any anxiety.
From showing how feet work to trying on orthotics, we involve kids in their own treatment journey.
Every appointment is designed to be supportive, engaging, and reassuring for children and their families.
Comprehensive assessment of your child’s feet, ankles, and gait.
Personalised care for your child's needs, explained in simple terms.
Guidance to reduce risk and support healthy, happy feet.
Proper foot care is essential for children because their feet and legs are still developing. Early detection and treatment of any issues, such as flat feet, walking problems, or foot pain, can prevent more serious conditions later in life. Healthy feet are crucial for your child's ability to walk, run, and engage in physical activities, supporting their overall development and well-being.
You should consider bringing your child to a podiatrist if they experience pain, difficulty walking, or if you notice any abnormalities such as flat feet, toe walking, or a limp. It's also important to schedule a visit if your child is involved in sports or physical activities that could put stress on their feet and lower legs.
A podiatrist specializes in the care and treatment of feet and lower legs, and they can assess your child's foot structure and gait to ensure healthy development. If necessary, they may recommend corrective measures such as custom orthotics, stretching exercises, or other treatments to support proper alignment and prevent future problems.
Yes, treatments for children are often different from those for adults due to the ongoing growth and development of bones and tissues in a child's feet. Podiatrists take extra care to recommend non-invasive, gentle treatments that support natural growth while preventing long-term complications. Custom orthotics and other interventions may be tailored specifically to accommodate your child's growth stages.
To prevent foot problems in children, ensure they wear well-fitted shoes that provide proper support, especially for growing feet. Encourage regular physical activity to strengthen their legs and feet, and make sure they maintain good hygiene. If you notice any signs of discomfort or changes in their walking patterns, it’s a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an early evaluation.
Paediatric podiatry involves foot care specifically for children of all ages, from newborns and toddlers to teens.
Children’s feet change rapidly, so regular check-ups are recommended, especially if you notice any signs of discomfort or changes in walking pattern.
Yes, our clinic specialises in paediatric podiatry, treating children and teens of all ages.
