Children's Feet
We want to see our children start life with a good foundation and develop to be healthy and strong. Our Podiatrists are trained to assess and treat children of all ages.



CHILDREN’S FEET
Children go through many development stages in their early years and it is often difficult for parents to know if their child is developing as expected.
LEARNING TO WALK
Children begin learning to walk between twelve to sixteen months of age. When children are initially learning to walk inside your home they do not need to wear shoes. Wearing shoes during early stages of walking can dull the sensory feedback children receive on the sole of their foot. This sensory feedback helps children to develop balance and co-ordination.
CHILDREN’S SHOES
Children’s feet are constantly growing in their early years. It is important that you check your child’s shoes and socks regularly as shoes and socks that are too small can cause deformity to the toes as well as ingrown toe nails. Remember to check your children’s shoe and sock size:
COMMON FOOT CONDITIONS
All children develop at different rates making it difficult as a parent to know how your child is developing. At Showgrounds Village Podiatry we treat many of the foot conditions outlined below that your child may experience:
FLAT FEET & JOINT HYPERMOBILITY
It is normal for babies and infants to have flat feet. Until around two years of age, babies and infants have a fat foot pad that hides the shape of the arch. Children’s arch height will continue to develop until the age of between six and eight years. This is because young children have more flexible ligaments than adults.
By seven years of age most children will have formed their adult foot shape. Flat feet can cause problems and your child’s feet should be assessed by a podiatrist if your child frequently complains of sore feet and legs, has been late to learn to walk or shows signs of poor coordination and balance.
INTOEING, PIGEON TOED & INWARDS TURNED FEET
Children learning to walk may develop a turned in foot position. This turned in foot position during walking maybe caused by the leg being internally rotated and is known as intoeing or being “Pigeon toed”. The shape of the child’s foot may also cause the child to look as if they are intoeing because their feet are not straight and have a turned inward position known as metatarsal adductus.
If you your child is intoeing or has Metatarsal Adductus it is recommended to have your child assessed by a Podiatrist. In most cases treatment is not required but if it is, it is better to start treatment sooner rather than later. We highly recommend assessment by a Podiatrist if you notice your child’s intoeing is not reducing, if it only effects one leg, if they trip or fall over frequently or their foot is stiff and rigid.
TURNED OUT FEET
Out toeing or turned out feet is less common than intoeing in children. Children born prematurely or children with flat feet most frequently have turned out feet. Out toeing in children that were born prematurely will often correct itself as muscle tone, posture and balance improves. For children with turned out flat feet it is recommended you see a Podiatrist.
GROWING PAINS & SORE HEELS
WARTS (VERRUCA PEDIS)
INGROWN TOENAILS
WHEN TO SEE A PODIATRIST
You may need to see a Podiatrist if your child:
- Complains of sore feet, lower legs, or knees
- Has excessively flat feet
- One foot looks different compared to the other foot
- Suffers from feet that are turned in or turned
- Is kept awake at night with sore legs
- Is reluctant to walk long distance and partake in sporting activity
- Has toes that are not straight
- Is walking on their toes
- Is limping
- Frequently loses their balance and falls over
- Has uneven wear on the soles of their shoes
- Has a bunion
- Is later than 15 months in age before they start walking
If you have any other concerns about the development of your child’s feet you should contact a Podiatrist for an assessment.




SHOWGROUNDS VILLAGE PODIATRY CARES FOR LITTLE FEET TOO
If you have any concerns about the development of your children’s feet or they way they walk please contact us

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Showgrounds Village Podiatry is committed to delivering high quality podiatry health care to our patients. Our podiatrists achieve the best results by working with you to develop a tailored treatment plan that meets your needs and allows you to get back to living your life the way you want. Flemington podiatry (foot clinic) within a short distance of Moonee Ponds