Children are active and their bodies are growing fast

Did you know that child between the ages of 5 and 12 years of age averages an annual foot growth rate of 9mm? The bones in a child’s foot are not fully formed until they are in their late teens. This makes their foot care needs very different from those of adults. 

Through their various developmental stages, children’s feet play a crucial role in milestones such as walking and running, especially as they begin to play sport, where injuries can happen either suddenly or gradually. At The Foot Group we monitor the child’s individual development to ensure that any potential issues are identified and addressed early on.

We treat common paediatric conditions

Children may experience specific foot and lower limb conditions that are less common in adults. These can include flat feet; toeing in or toeing out; a type of children’s heel pain formerly known as Sever’s disease; and ingrown toenails. As specialists in children’s care, our podiatrists are well versed in recognising and treating these conditions.

Gait analysis

Assessing a the way a child walks is an essential part of children’s podiatry. Abnormalities in gait can be indicative of underlying issues, and podiatrists use advanced biomechanical analysis to identify problems and develop appropriate treatment plans.

We make custom orthotics for children

If necessary, our podiatrists may prescribe children custom orthotic devices to support proper foot alignment and development. These orthotics are designed with the unique needs of a child’s growing foot in mind.

Education is prevention

Our podiatrists work closely with parents and caregivers to educate them about proper foot care for children. They provide guidance on selecting appropriate footwear, maintaining good foot hygiene and recognising signs of potential problems.

We collaborate with other healthcare professionals

Where necessary we collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including paediatricians, orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists to ensure comprehensive care for children with complex foot and lower limb issues.

We take a patient-centred approach

Since children may not always articulate their discomfort or pain accurately, children’s podiatrists need to adopt a patient-centred and empathetic approach. At The Foot Group we know that building trust with young patients can facilitate effective diagnosis and treatment.

Our goal is to promote healthy development, identify and address any issues as early as possible, and ensure that children can move comfortably and confidently.