Happy, healthy feet. From the very first step.

Signs Your Child May Need a Podiatry Assessment

It is worth booking an appointment if your child:

• Walks on their toes
• Sits in a “W” position on the floor
• Walks in-toed (pigeon-toed) or out-toed
• Complains of foot, ankle, knee or leg pain during or after sport
• Has flat feet
• Appears clumsy or uncoordinated
• Suffers from ingrown toenails
• Self-excludes from sport or physical activity

No concern is too small. Early assessment and intervention can make a significant difference to your child's development, posture and long-term foot health.

Conditions We Assess and Treat

Our podiatrists regularly see children for:

• Flat feet and low arches
• In-toeing and out-toeing
• Toe walking
• Growing pains (Sever's disease, Osgood-Schlatter)
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts and verrucae
• Heel pain from sport or activity
• Gait and postural concerns
• Sports injuries of the foot, ankle and lower limb

What to Expect

Your child's appointment is relaxed, unhurried and child-friendly. Our podiatrists take the time to put your child at ease while conducting a thorough assessment of their gait, foot structure and development.

Where treatment or ongoing management is recommended, we explain everything clearly so both you and your child understand the plan. Treatment may include custom orthotics, footwear advice, strengthening exercises or referral for further assessment where appropriate.

Children & Swift Wart Treatment

Plantar warts are particularly common in children and teenagers. Our Swift microwave wart therapy is often an excellent option for younger patients because it avoids cutting, open wounds and dressings — making the experience significantly less daunting than traditional wart treatments.

Suitability depends on age, wart location and the child's comfort level. Your podiatrist will assess and discuss the most appropriate approach at your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I bring my child to a podiatrist?
There is no minimum age — we regularly see toddlers through to teenagers. If you have a concern about your child's feet or the way they walk at any age, it is worth having them assessed. Early intervention is always preferable to waiting.

My child complains of leg pain after sport — is that normal?
Some leg discomfort after activity is common in growing children, but persistent or recurring pain should always be assessed. Conditions like Sever's disease (heel pain in active children) and Osgood-Schlatter (knee pain in adolescents) are very common and very treatable when caught early.

Does my child have flat feet?
Most children have flat feet until around age six as the arch develops. If flat feet persist beyond this age, cause pain or affect the way your child walks, a podiatry assessment is recommended. Not all flat feet require treatment, but an assessment will tell you whether yours do.

My child walks on their toes — should I be concerned?
Occasional toe walking is normal in toddlers learning to walk. Persistent toe walking beyond age three, or toe walking that is getting worse rather than better, is worth having assessed. It can be associated with muscle tightness, neurological factors or developmental considerations that respond well to early podiatric management.

Will my child need orthotics?
Not necessarily. Orthotics are one tool in a podiatrist's toolkit, but many childhood foot conditions respond well to stretching programs, footwear changes or simple monitoring over time. Your podiatrist will only recommend orthotics if they are genuinely indicated for your child's specific situation.

Health Fund Rebates

Children's podiatry consultations are claimable through most private health funds with podiatry cover. We offer HICAPS on-the-spot claiming at our Balgowlah clinic — no paperwork, no out-of-pocket delays.

Medicare rebates may also be available for children referred by their GP under a Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP). Speak to your GP or contact our clinic to find out if your child is eligible.