Children’s Podiatry Treatment on the Central Coast

Children’s feet change considerably as they grow, and sometimes it can be difficult to know what is part of normal development and what should be checked.

East Gosford Podiatry provides children’s podiatry on the Central Coast for babies, children and teenagers experiencing foot, leg or walking concerns.

Our podiatrists assess how your child’s feet and lower limbs are developing, identify any problems and explain whether treatment is needed. Sometimes reassurance and monitoring are all that’s required. In other cases, early treatment can help with pain, movement or an ongoing foot condition.

If something about the way your child walks, runs or moves is concerning you, a podiatry assessment can help give you some answers.

Children’s Podiatry (Paediatric Podiatrists)

Children aren’t simply smaller adults. Their feet, bones, joints and muscles are still developing, which means they need to be assessed with their age and stage of development in mind.

Parents commonly notice things such as:

• Toe walking
• Feet turning inwards or outwards
• Flat feet or low arches
• An unusual walking pattern
• Complaints of sore feet or legs

Many changes in the way children walk are a normal part of development and improve as they grow. If you’re concerned, however, a children’s podiatrist can assess your child and determine whether anything needs further attention.

Children’s Foot Conditions We Treat

Children can experience many of the same foot problems as adults, as well as conditions that are more common during growth and development.

Our podiatrists assess and treat conditions including:

• Flat feet
• Heel pain and Sever’s disease
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Toe walking
• In-toeing and out-toeing
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Sports-related foot and lower limb pain
• Corns and calluses
• Gait and walking concerns

Treatment isn’t always necessary. Where it is, we’ll explain the options and why we’re recommending them.

What Happens at a Children’s Podiatry Appointment?

We start by talking with you and your child about what you’ve noticed and any pain or difficulties they’re experiencing.

Depending on the concern, your podiatrist may assess:

• The feet and lower limbs
• Walking and running
• Joint movement
• Muscle strength and flexibility
• Foot posture
• Shoes and footwear
• Sporting and physical activity

We’ll then explain what we’ve found in straightforward terms and discuss whether treatment, monitoring or further investigation is appropriate.

Children’s Podiatry Treatment

Treatment depends on your child’s age, condition and symptoms. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.

Where appropriate, treatment may include:

• Footwear advice
• Exercises and stretching
• Activity or training advice
• Treatment of skin and nail conditions
• Custom foot orthotics
• Sports injury management
• Monitoring as your child grows
• Referral for further assessment or imaging where required

The aim is to keep treatment practical and appropriate for your child.

Children’s Podiatrist Central Coast

East Gosford Podiatry provides podiatry care for children and teenagers from across the Central Coast.

We can also help parents with questions about footwear, physical activity, walking and other concerns about their child’s developing feet.

Sometimes an assessment identifies a problem that needs treatment. Other times, it provides reassurance that what you’re seeing is a normal part of development.

If you’re concerned about your child’s feet, walking or lower limb development, book an appointment with East Gosford Podiatry for a children’s podiatry assessment.