Five signs you child may have a foot problem

1. Your child complains of pain or limps   

These signs can all be indicative of a problem with your child’s feet and should be checked by an experienced Podiatrist.

  • It is never normal for a child to have foot or leg pain.
  • If pain, swelling or limping lasts more than a few days you should have their feet assessed.
  • If your child is experiencing ‘growing pains’ that disturb sleep, it may be associated with abnormal foot posture or joint hypermobility causing fatigued and sore muscles.
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2. Your child can’t keep up with their peers.

  • If your child has difficulties keeping up with their peers in sports or physical activities, it may be because feet or legs are fatigued.
  • If the feet are rolling in excessively, the foot muscles are working at a mechanical disadvantage.
  • Muscle fatigue is very common in kids with overly flexible, flat feet.

3. Tripping, Falling, Clumsiness or Toe-walking.

  • This may be a sign of intoeing (pigeon toe), balance problems, low muscle tone or joint hypermobility and your child’s gait and foot posture should be checked.
  • The feet should provide a stable base of support for children. Having a stable base helps young children to develop important gross motor skills (eg. hop, skip and jump).
  • Persistent tip-toe walking may be a sign of an underlying neuromuscular disorder and should always be checked.
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4. Abnormal Foot Posture or an awkward gait.

  • If you notice that your pre-schooler has not developed an arch by the age of 4 years, it is time to have a foot posture assessment by a Podiatrist.
  • Any noticeable asymmetry in a child’s foot posture should be carefully assessed. If only one foot is flat, it can be a sign of a tarsal coalition or even a limb length discrepancy or scoliosis.
  • If you have a family history of bunions, it is important to have your child’s feet checked, as most bunions are hereditary and are related to abnormal foot posture.

5. Abnormal shoe wear patterns.

  • Wearing the sole of the shoes out unevenly or abnormally may be indicative of a limb length discrepancy, intoed gait, flat feet or overpronation, high arched feet, or foot drop.
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What should I do if my child has signs of a foot problem?

If you are concerned about your child’s gait or foot posture, don’t hesitate to consult with our experienced paediatric podiatrists for a comprehensive walking assessment and professional advice and treatment.

ABOUT US

Foot Health Clinic is a Brisbane kids, family and active adventurers podiatry clinic. We are recognised Foot and Ankle Professionals.

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Samford Central Shopping Centre, Cnr Mt Glorious Rd & Mary Ring Dr
Samford Village QLD 4520

07 3289 6050

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