Children’s Podiatry Brisbane

What is Children’s Podiatry?

Children’s podiatry (also called paediatric podiatry) focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and lower limb problems in children. This field of healthcare addresses common issues like flat feet, toe walking, ingrown toenails, and gait abnormalities.

Our podiatrists at Align HC use various treatments including custom orthotics, exercises, and footwear advice to help correct and manage these conditions. Early intervention by a paediatric podiatrist can prevent more serious problems from occurring as children develop.

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Why Choose a Children’s Podiatrist in Brisbane?

Choosing a Children’s podiatrist in Brisbane means your child receives specialised care tailored to their developmental needs. Align HC’s podiatrists are trained to understand the unique aspects of growing feet and lower limbs. If you live in or near Brisbane, knowing that there’s a Children’s podiatry clinic nearby can give you peace of mind!

Our Brisbane podiatry clinic is also equipped with advanced technology for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Align HC’s local podiatrists are also familiar with common regional foot health issues, making them well-suited to provide the best care for your child.

Common Foot Conditions in Children

The rapid development of Children’s feet can lead to several common foot conditions that may cause pain (more severe and constant than growing pains) or affect their walking patterns. We’ve outlined some common foot conditions that our Children’s podiatrist in Brisbane treats:

Developmental Foot Problems

Developmental foot problems usually improve with age. However, persistent problems should be addressed by a podiatrist to prevent future complications.

Flat Feet

Flat feet in children are characterised by the absence of a visible arch in the foot. Interestingly, most children are born with flat feet, and the arch typically develops by age3. If arches don’t develop, your child may have pain when walking or running.

Toe Walking

Toe walking is common in toddlers learning to walk. However, if toe walking continues beyond age 3, it may indicate underlying issues like muscle tightness or neurological conditions. Early assessment and intervention are necessary to prevent bigger issues down the line.

Toddler Walking Issues

Most children take their first steps around 12months, but up to 16 months is still considered within the normal range. If your child isn’t walking by 16 months, it may be a good idea to visit a podiatry clinic to see if there’s an underlying issue.

Curled Up Toes (in infants)

Curled up toes in infants, also known as curly toes, are typically caused by the tightness of the tendons. This condition usually resolves on its own as the child grows. However, for persistent curling, a podiatrist is a good place to start, as they provide non-invasive treatment.

Heel Pain (Sever’s Disease)

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, particularly those active in sports. It’s caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Treatment includes rest, ice, and sometimes orthotics to reduce stress on the heel.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails happen when the edges of the nail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain and sometimes infection. This is often due to improper nail trimming or tight footwear. Ingrown Treatment can include proper nail care, wearing appropriate shoes, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.

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Podiatry Services for Children in Brisbane

At Align HC in Brisbane, we offer a wide range of paediatric podiatry services to cover all of your child’s foot care needs.

Comprehensive Foot Assessments

Comprehensive foot assessments are important for detecting any issues early in children. A skilled podiatrist can pick up signs of flat feet, high arches, or alignment issues that could affect overall development.

Orthotic Therapy

Orthotic therapy uses custom-made inserts to support and align the feet. Paediatric podiatrists design orthotics specifically for children, considering their unique growth patterns. These devices help manage conditions like flat feet, overpronation, and heel pain, so your child can engage in daily activities without discomfort.

Footwear Advice and Fittings

Selecting the right footwear is a major part of Children’s foot health. At Align HC’s podiatry clinic in Brisbane, we offer expert advice on choosing shoes that provide proper support and fit well. They’ll assess your child’s foot shape and recommend suitable footwear brands and styles.

Sports Podiatry for Children

Sports podiatry focuses on preventing and managing injuries related to physical activities. Our podiatrists work with young athletes to enhance performance and prevent common sports injuries like sprains, strains, and stress fractures. They offer tailored treatment plans, including stretching and strengthening exercises, to improve foot function and stability.

General Foot Care

We give guidance on general foot care, proper foot hygiene, nail care, and the treatment of common conditions. We educate children and parents on the importance of regular foot inspections and the early signs of potential problems.

Benefits of Children’s Podiatry

Keeping Kids Active

Keeping children active is essential for their physical and mental development. Here’s how Children’s podiatry supports an active lifestyle:

• Prevent Injuries: Podiatrists help identify and treat conditions like ingrown toenails, warts, and heel pain, which can reduce a child’s ability to stay active.
• Custom Orthotics: Custom-made orthotics can correct biomechanical issues, providing better support and comfort during physical activities.
• Encourage Sports Participation: Addressing foot or lower limb issues will motivate children to participate in sports and physical activities confidently.

Early Intervention

Early intervention in Children’s podiatry can make a big difference in a child’s overall health and development:

• Detect Developmental Issues: Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can detect and correct issues like toe walking, pigeon toes, and flat feet early on.
• Prevent Long-Term Problems: Treating foot problems early allows podiatrists to prevent long-term issues such as chronic pain, posture problems, and mobility issues.
• Improve Quality of Life: Early intervention helps children enjoy a better quality of life by being able to participate fully in physical activities without discomfort or pain.

Patient Education

Educating both parents and children about foot health is an important part of Children’s podiatry. Our paediatric podiatrists in Brisbane are committed to:

• Promoting Good Habits: Podiatrists teach parents and children about proper foot hygiene, the importance of wearing well-fitted shoes, and how to trim toenails correctly to avoid issues like ingrown toenails.
• Recognise Symptoms: Education helps parents and children recognise the early signs of foot problems, so they can seek help promptly.
• Empower Parents: Informed parents are better equipped to support their child’s foot health, leading to more effective prevention and early treatment.

What to Expect During Your Visit

First-time podiatrist visits can be stressful for children. Knowing what to expect can help you and your child feel more comfortable during the visit. Here’s a detailed look at what typically happens during a Children’s podiatry appointment in Brisbane:

Initial Consultation

The initial consultation will cover your child’s medical history, any current foot or leg problems, and any concerns you might have. This discussion helps your podiatrist understand your child’s overall health and specific issues you may be worried about.

Physical Examination

Next, your podiatrist will conduct a physical examination of your child’s feet, ankles, joints, and legs. This may include checking for any abnormalities in the structure or function of the feet. The podiatrist might also observe your child walking or running to assess their gait and look for any irregularities.

Diagnosis and Discussion

After the examination, your podiatrist will explain their findings. If there are any issues, they’ll discuss potential diagnoses and what they mean for your child’s health. They will also outline the next steps, which could include further tests, treatments, or preventative measures.

Treatment Plan

If treatment is necessary, the podiatrist will create a tailored plan for your child. This could involve prescribing orthotics (custom shoe inserts), recommending specific footwear, suggesting exercises to improve foot function, or even planning minor procedures if needed.

Education and Advice

The podiatrist will provide advice on proper foot care, appropriate footwear, and tips to prevent future problems. They may also teach your child exercises to strengthen their feet and ankles.

Follow-Up Visits

Depending on your child’s condition, follow-up visits at our podiatry clinic may be needed to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. These visits ensure that your child’s feet are developing healthily and that any issues are being effectively managed.

Signs That Your Child Needs to See a Podiatrist

When it comes to your child’s health, paying attention to their feet is much more important than you think! Early detection of foot problems can prevent long-term issues and help them develop properly. Here are some signs that your child might need to see a podiatrist:

• Persistent or severe foot pain
• Difficulty walking or running
• Limping, walking on their toes, or an awkward gait
• Visible deformities in feet or ankles
• Bunions, hammertoes, or unusual bumps
• Recurring warts, fungal infections, or athlete’s foot
• Flat feet or high arches
• Frequent tripping or falling