Kids’ feet change a lot as they grow, and it can be hard to know what’s normal. We assess how your child’s feet and legs are growing and moving, and give you clear, practical advice about what needs a hand and what simply needs watching.
What we see in kids
- Flat feet or feet that roll in
- Toe walking or in-toeing
- Tripping, falling or clumsiness
- Heel pain in active kids (Sever’s)
- Knee pain in active kids (Osgood-Schlatter’s)
- Growing pains
- Ingrown toenails and plantar warts
- School and sport shoe advice
- Kids with developmental or neurological conditions
What happens at an appointment
Appointments are relaxed and play-based, and designed around kids.
- Questions made for kids: we ask screening questions specific to children, such as how they were born, when they reached milestones like walking and running, how the problem is affecting them day to day, and what your main concerns are.
- Age-appropriate tools: younger kids can show us how much something hurts using a simple faces pain scale, such as the Wong-Baker scale, rather than trying to put a number on it.
- Room to move: our studio gym gives us space for a proper assessment. Kids can run, jump, hop, squat and balance, and just be kids, while we watch how their feet and legs work.
- Goals: we talk about what you and your child would like to achieve, in the short and long term.
We then explain what we found and whether anything needs treatment. This may be exercises, footwear advice, orthoses, or simply checking in again as they grow.
Working with your child’s team
We often work alongside GPs, paediatric physiotherapists and other members of your child’s care team, so everyone is working towards the same goals.
Sever’s, Osgood-Schlatter’s and other growth-related pain
Active, growing kids can get pain where tendons attach to growing bone. This includes Sever’s (heel pain), Osgood-Schlatter’s (pain just below the knee) and other growth-related aches, often during or after sport. We help with activity planning, footwear, support and exercises so they can keep playing.
Orthotics for kids
Not every child needs orthotics. Where they suit your child’s assessment, we may recommend Gecko kids orthotics: Australian-made, heat-mouldable orthotics for children aged around 1 to 9, moulded in the clinic to fit your child’s feet and shoes. For older kids, or where more specific support is needed, we also make custom orthoses from a 3D scan.
We’ll check the fit, show you how to wear them in, and review them as your child grows.
Sometimes advice is all you need
Not everyone needs treatment. Sometimes the most helpful thing is a clear explanation of what’s going on, practical advice and a plan you can manage yourself. We’ll always talk you through every option, including no treatment, so you can decide what’s right for you.
Frequently asked questions
Are flat feet normal in kids?
Many young children have flat-looking feet, and this often changes as they grow. An assessment helps work out whether anything needs attention.
At what age can my child see a podiatrist?
Any age, from babies starting to walk through to teenagers.
How long is the appointment?
A kids pain and movement assessment is 45 minutes, but we can tailor it to your child.
Do you work with other health professionals?
Yes. We often work with GPs, paediatric physiotherapists and multidisciplinary teams.
Do you make orthotics for kids?
Yes, custom and prefabricated, but only where they suit your child’s assessment.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with one of our podiatrists.
Can I claim on private health?
We don’t offer on-the-spot claiming. If your extras cover includes podiatry, you can claim with your fund using your itemised receipt. Check with your fund about your level of cover.