At PEAK, our Podiatrists focus on problems concerning the foot and lower limb. In children, this may include assisting in correcting abnormal walking patterns and improving their balance if they are tripping more than normal.
3 common complaints our Podiatrist’s treat in children include:
- Sever’s Disease
- Hypermobility
- Intoeing
Sever’s Disease
One of the most frequent growing conditions we see in children is pain at the heel. Sever’s Disease commonly affects the feet of children aged 8-14 years old who are active and going through a growth spurt. During a growth spurt, your child’s heel bone grows faster than the muscles, tendons and ligaments in their leg. Ossification or ‘closure’ of the heel growth plate is often complete by the age of 15. Sever’s is typically associated with pain at the heel bone where the Achilles attaches to the growth plate. The pain is due to inflammation at the growth plate where the Achilles tendon attaches to the calcaneal apophysis (heel growth plate). Sever’s is a self-limiting condition and won’t cause any long term damage, however, it is important to manage the symptoms as best as possible. Treatment for Sever’s Disease usually involves advice on load management, strength exercises, footwear advice, manual therapy and the use of custom foot orthotics to correct any biomechanical factors.
Hypermobility
Hypermobility in children refers to a condition where the joints are more flexible and move beyond the normal range of motion. This can lead to pain, especially with overuse or repetitive motions. Children with hypermobility may also be at an increased risk for joint dislocation and injury. Treatment for children with hypermobility often involves physical therapy and exercises to improve joint stability and strengthen surrounding muscles. Our Podiatrist’s can also recommend footwear suitable for extra ankle stability and consider custom foot orthotics to help with balance and gait mechanics.
Intoeing Gait
Intoeing gait, also known as pigeon-toed gait, is a common gait abnormality in children where the feet point inward when walking or running. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including inward rotation of the hip, tibial torsion, or metatarsus adductus. Most cases of intoeing gait resolve on their own as the child grows, but in some cases, treatment may be necessary to correct the underlying cause. Treatment options include footwear recommendations, exercises and custom foot orthotics with a gait plate to adjust the toe off position of the feet.
It is important to assess all of these conditions as soon as possible in children. If you would like further assessment and advice, book an appointment with PEAK.
Chelsea Enright
PEAK Sports And Spine Centre Coach and Physiotherapist
Let's get started — How can we help?
Physiotherapy
Chiropractic
Podiatry
Massage Therapy
Women's Health Physiotherapy
Running Program Tailored To Your Goals
Joint Mobilisation
Active Release Technique
Exercise Prescription
Real Time Ultrasound Imaging
Spinal Manipulation
Functional Movement Screen
Knee Pain Treatment
Hamstring Strain Treatment
Hip Pain Treatment
Upper, Middle & Lower Back Pain
Neck Pain Treatment
Shoulder Pain & Rotator Cuff Tear
Can't find what you're after?
View all Services
Make an appointment
Or email the PEAK team at info@peakssc.com.au
Hawthorne
- Phone: (07) 3399 3318
- Fax: (07) 3319 6577
Address
5/171 Riding Road,Hawthorne, QLD, 4171 Get Directions
Opening Hours -
6 days per week
- Monday - Friday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm
To make a booking outside of business hours, please use our form by clicking here.
New Farm
- Phone: (07) 3399 4668
- Fax: (07) 3319 6577
Address
1/15 Lamington Street,New Farm, QLD, 4005 Get Directions
Opening Hours -
6 days per week
- Monday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
To make a booking outside of business hours, please use our form by clicking here.