Paediatric Podiatrist
If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s feet/legs, make an appointment! It is better for us to assess the lower limb/feet than you worrying about the problem and trying to ‘google or Wikipedia diagnose’ This is what we are best at, so instead of worrying- just make an appointment! Children’s feet are different from adult’s feet, they are not fully formed It is essential that your child is assessed and treated by a paediatric podiatrist in Sydney who is an expert in children’s feet. This is what we do all day every day!
Development of Children’s’ Feet
- At 6mths of age the foot is still mostly cartilage
- The final bone in the foot does not start to form from cartilage until 3yrs
- By 18yrs (an adult) most bones in the body are fully formed
- A child’s foot is flexible, therefore easily damaged from abnormal pressure
- Shoes that are too small can damage a child’s foot
Development of Children’s’ Feet
- At 6mths of age the foot is still mostly cartilage
- The final bone in the foot does not start to form from cartilage until 3yrs
- By 18yrs (an adult) most bones in the body are fully formed
- A child’s foot is flexible, therefore easily damaged from abnormal pressure
- Shoes that are too small can damage a child’s foot
Growing Feet
- A child’s foot will double in size by the age of one year
- The foot is approximately half their adult length by 18mths of age
- Between the ages of 5 and 12 years the growth is approximately 9mm per year
- An adult foot size is usually between 12 and 14 years of age
- Socks and shoe sizes need to be changed frequently to accommodate for rapidly growing feet
- Check shoe sizes every 1-3mths up to the age of 3 years, every 4mths then to the age of 5yrs, every 6mths from 5 years onwards
- It is important that a shoe is fitted by a fitting specialist in children’s footwear to avoid discomfort and injury
- Always measure and fit a shoe with the child standing as the foot spreads on weight-bearing
Growing Feet
- A child’s foot will double in size by the age of one year
- The foot is approximately half their adult length by 18mths of age
- Between the ages of 5 and 12 years the growth is approximately 9mm per year
- An adult foot size is usually between 12 and 14 years of age
- Socks and shoe sizes need to be changed frequently to accommodate for rapidly growing feet
- Check shoe sizes every 1-3mths up to the age of 3 years, every 4mths then to the age of 5yrs, every 6mths from 5 years onwards
- It is important that a shoe is fitted by a fitting specialist in children’s footwear to avoid discomfort and injury
- Always measure and fit a shoe with the child standing as the foot spreads on weight-bearing
What to look for in a Child’s Shoe
- Designed to protect the foot
- Straight last
- Broad toe box
- Lace, buckle or Velcro fastening (not slip on)
- Good sturdy heel counter
- Stiff upper and sides
- Flexible and sturdy sole
- A little room for forward, backwards and side movements
- Room for growth (but not an excessive amount
- Always have to foot measured in width and length
- The shoe should follow the natural shape of the foot, especially around the toes
- Ensure there is about 10mm of growing room from the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe
- The shoe should be comfortable around the heel, not too tight or loose
Common children’s conditions include:
- In-growing toe nails
- Athletes foot (tinea pedis)
- Warts (verucca / plantar warts)
- Sever’s condition
- Sever’s condition
- Heel pain
- Toe walking
- Flat feet
- Shin pain
- Pigeon Toed
- Knee pain
- Osgood Schlatters
New Patient Gait Assessment
$25 off for new patients
*Claimable on your private health insurance!
