Children’s Podiatry in Frenchs Forest

Children’s feet and lower limbs change considerably as they grow. Some differences in foot shape and walking are part of normal development, while persistent pain, limping or difficulty keeping up with activity may warrant assessment.

At Belrose Frenchs Forest Podiatry Centre, principal podiatrist Cesar Puertolas provides podiatry assessment for children with foot, heel, gait, nail and skin concerns. With more than 40 years of clinical experience, Cesar has worked with children, young athletes and families across the Northern Beaches and surrounding areas.

The aim of an assessment is not to treat every variation in a child’s feet. It is to understand the child’s symptoms, development, movement and activity, identify whether a podiatry concern is present, and discuss appropriate next steps with parents.

When should my child see a podiatrist?

A podiatry assessment may be helpful when a child has persistent or recurring pain, changes the way they walk because of discomfort, or has a foot or lower limb concern that is affecting normal activity.

• Heel pain during or after sport
• Foot, ankle or lower limb pain that keeps returning
• Limping or avoiding usual activity
• Concerns about walking or gait
• Flat feet associated with pain, fatigue or difficulty with activity
• In toeing or out toeing that is causing concern
• Recurring trips or falls together with other symptoms
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts or other foot skin concerns
• Footwear concerns
• Existing orthotics that need review

Growing feet are not simply smaller adult feet

Children develop at different rates. Foot shape, leg position, strength, coordination and walking patterns can change throughout childhood. This means assessment should consider the child’s age, symptoms, development and activity rather than focusing on appearance alone.

Some foot and gait variations do not require treatment. Where a concern is associated with pain, reduced function or other clinical findings, Cesar can discuss whether monitoring, advice, exercises or another management approach may be appropriate.

Children’s heel pain and sport

Heel pain can occur in growing children, particularly during periods of increased running and sport. One possible cause is irritation around the developing heel growth area, often referred to as Sever’s disease, but not every case of heel pain has the same cause.

If heel pain persists, limits sport, causes limping or is getting worse, an assessment can help identify the likely source of symptoms and guide appropriate management. Children should not be expected to simply train through persistent pain.

Flat feet in children

Flat feet can be part of normal development and do not automatically need treatment. Many children have flexible flat feet without pain or functional difficulty.

Assessment may be useful when flat feet are associated with pain, fatigue, difficulty with activity, unusual shoe wear or other concerns. The decision about management should be based on the individual child rather than foot shape alone.

Walking, gait and frequent tripping

Parents sometimes notice in toeing, out toeing, unusual shoe wear, toe walking or frequent tripping. These observations can have different explanations and may change as a child grows.

A podiatry assessment may consider walking pattern, foot and lower limb movement, joint range, muscle function and the child’s symptoms. If a concern falls outside podiatry or needs broader assessment, referral to another appropriate healthcare professional may be recommended.

Does my child need orthotics?

Not every child with flat feet, gait differences or sports pain needs orthotics. Where clinically appropriate, orthotic therapy may be considered following assessment, but other approaches may include footwear advice, exercises, stretching, strengthening, taping, padding, activity modification or monitoring.

If your child already wears orthotics, periodic review can help determine whether they remain appropriate as the child grows and their footwear and activity needs change.

Children’s skin, nails and plantar warts

Children can also experience ingrown toenails, plantar warts and other nail or skin problems. A podiatrist can assess the area, discuss likely causes and explain management options where treatment is appropriate.

Because different skin and nail conditions can sometimes look similar, assessment is useful when a problem is painful, recurring, spreading or not improving.

Footwear for growing and active children

Children’s footwear should suit the activity, fit comfortably and allow appropriate room for growth. Sporting shoes should also be selected for the child and the demands of the activity rather than relying only on the label or sport category.

Bring your child’s everyday or sporting shoes to the appointment if footwear, gait or activity related pain is part of the concern.

Children, sport and MLS Laser Therapy

For selected musculoskeletal or sports related presentations, MLS Laser Therapy may be considered as an adjunct where clinically appropriate. Suitability depends on the child, the condition and the findings of the assessment. It is not appropriate for every presentation and individual responses vary.

Experience and evidence informed care

Cesar has more than 40 years of clinical experience and has worked with children, athletes, active adults and older patients. His clinical interests include children’s podiatry, sports related foot and lower limb conditions, heel pain, biomechanics, gait, rehabilitation and photobiomodulation therapy.

He considers relevant research alongside clinical experience and the individual child’s presentation. Parents are given information about the assessment findings and the reasons behind any recommended management approach.

Children’s Podiatry FAQs

Are flat feet normal in children?

Flat feet can be part of normal development and do not automatically require treatment. Assessment may be useful when they are associated with pain, fatigue, reduced activity or other concerns.

What causes heel pain in children who play sport?

Growing children can experience heel pain for several reasons, particularly during periods of increased activity. Irritation around the developing heel growth area is one possibility. Persistent pain, limping or reduced activity should be assessed rather than self diagnosed.

What is Sever’s disease?

Sever’s disease is a term commonly used for irritation around the developing growth area at the back of the heel. It is seen in growing children and can be associated with running and sport. Assessment can help determine whether this or another condition is responsible for heel pain.

Does my child need orthotics for flat feet?

Not necessarily. Orthotics are not automatically required for flat feet. Whether they are appropriate depends on symptoms, function, activity and the findings of an individual assessment.

Should I be concerned if my child walks with their feet turned in or out?

In toeing and out toeing can have different causes and may change with development. Assessment may be appropriate if you are concerned, particularly when the walking pattern is associated with pain, frequent falls, difficulty with activity or other symptoms.

Can a podiatrist help with children’s ingrown toenails or plantar warts?

Yes. Podiatrists can assess common nail and skin concerns including ingrown toenails and plantar warts and discuss appropriate management options.

What should I bring to my child’s podiatry appointment?

Bring shoes your child regularly wears, including sporting footwear if relevant, any existing orthotics or insoles, and relevant medical reports or scans. It can also be helpful to explain when symptoms occur and which activities are affected.

Can my child be referred by another healthcare professional?

Yes. The clinic welcomes referrals and professional enquiries from GPs, specialists, physiotherapists and other allied health practitioners where podiatry assessment may form part of broader care.

Children’s podiatry appointments in Frenchs Forest

Belrose Frenchs Forest Podiatry Centre sees families from Frenchs Forest, Belrose, Forestville, Davidson, Killarney Heights and surrounding Northern Beaches communities. If you are concerned about your child’s feet, heel pain, walking or a recurring foot problem, contact the clinic to discuss whether a podiatry assessment may be appropriate.

Call (02) 9451 9432 or use the website contact form to get in touch.

Referring a Child to Cesar

Cesar welcomes referrals and professional enquiries from GPs, paediatricians, physiotherapists, specialists and other healthcare practitioners involved in a child’s care.

Where appropriate, children’s podiatry assessment and management can form part of a broader multidisciplinary approach. Relevant clinical information, imaging and details of previous management can be provided with the referral to assist with assessment.

For referral enquiries or to discuss whether podiatry assessment may be appropriate for a child, contact Belrose Frenchs Forest Podiatry Centre on (02) 9451 9432.