Podopaediatrics: treating children's feet.
Children's feet and the way they walk are very different from adults, especially when very young.
Children's feet are usually flat, as the cartilage between the bones is thicker than in a fully-grown foot. A normal flat foot in children is flexible and not rigid, which means that if you ask your child to stand on their tiptoes an arch will form, and no treatment will normally be required before ten years of age. After this age, if the foot is still flat, an insole may help prevent or reduce stiffness during adulthood. If, on the other hand, your child’s feet seem unusually highly arched, any age they might be, then contact us.
The shape of children's feet and their gait (the way they walk) usually start to fully resemble the one of adults during the first years of primary school. If you still have concerns, do not hesitate to contact us.
The following conditions are the most common in children:
Bow legs: it is not uncommon for children before the age of 18 months, to have a small gap between their knees and ankles when they stand. If the gap is pronounced or doesn't correct itself, feel free to contact us.
Knock knees: If there's a gap between your child’s ankles while they are standing with their knees close together, this is called knock knees, and usually corrects itself.
In-toeing: also known as pigeon toes, this is a condition where a child's feet turn in.
Out-toeing: this is where the feet point outwards.
Tiptoe walking: it's common for children aged 3 and under to walk on their toes.
These conditions usually resolve as the children grow up, but if you have concerns, do not hesitate to contact us.
What to look out for:
If your child complains of pain in feet and/or legs after a walk or physical exercise.
If they seem particularly clumsy.
If they never want to engage in any kind of sporting activity or active games.
If they trip over often.
If they complain of pain in joints for more than a week, but there’s no signs of broken or dislocated bones, swelling, redness, heat or rash (in which case you’ll need to seek medical attention).
If they complain of pain in their joints first thing in the morning.
Here at Ferry Road Foot Clinic we strive to keep our diagnostic skills up-to-date with the most reliable and current research papers.
Feel free to contact us if you have any concern about your child's feet.