Children's Feet

Why Positive Podiatry?

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Podiatrist Jodi Tanner has 23 year experience in providing podiatry care to all age groups.

Bachelor Applied Science Human Movement Studies Exercise Management (UQ) 1995. 

Bachelor Applied Science in Podiatry (QUT) 1998.

Postgraduate Qualification -Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences ( Uni SA)  subjects in Paediatrics podiatry, Sports Medicine and Biomechanics.

Member Australian Podiatry Association.

Member Paediatric Specialist Interest Group.

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  Jodi continues to attend paediatric podiatric related education and reads widely about child development. 

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Why should a child see a podiatrist?

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Most importantly. Pain in the feet, ankles and legs in children should never be seen as "normal".

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Children do suffer from night leg pains, also known as "growing pains" or benign nocturnal leg pains. This condition can be associated with hypermobility in children. It is important to assess these children particularly if the pain is unrelenting or affecting one limb.

Children who avoid physical activity should be assessed. From my experience each child should be able to find a physical activity they enjoy. It is important for their long term health and wellness. 

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Balance issues can be treated by increased foot stability with changes to footwear. Activities focusing on core strength,  general muscle strength and propioception can also be beneficial.

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Excessive foot pronation and flat feet can be a major cause of  foot and leg discomfort and can be treated with footwear changes.

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 Joint Hypermobility Syndrome is associated with many orthopaedic conditions including foot and leg pain but also back pain in adolescent age groups, hip pain in gymnasts and dancers, and osteoarthritic joints in adults. Early treatment is important to prevent chronic disability.

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Severs disease or child heel pain is associated with overuse or overload of the growth plate of the heel bone ( calcaneus). Relatively easily prevented and treated with appropriate footwear advice

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Other problems that should be treated include ingrown toe nails, corns and callus, intoed   Intoed or out-toed gait, idiopathic toe walking.

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 Developmental delay's. Such as  not walking by  18 months of age.

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Treatments include:

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• Foot orthotics.

• Footwear changes - individualised advice.

• ​​Exercise advice. Stretching, strengthening and activity advice is given. 

• Foot Splints are used for a variety of foot and leg conditions.

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Child Foot and Leg Complaints.

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