Children’s Podiatry in Forest Hill

We assess and treat foot, ankle and lower limb problems in babies, children and adolescents. Our focus is practical: understand what is going on, explain it clearly, and put a sensible plan in place that works for your child and your family.

Foot and ankle pain

Many children experience aches and pains around the feet and ankles as they grow. While some discomfort is expected, ongoing or severe pain is not something they just have to “grow out of”.

We see children with issues such as rolled ankles, heel pain (including Sever’s disease), “growing pains”, flat feet, and stiff or sore ankles and feet. Assessment includes a history, examination and a simple look at how your child stands, walks and runs. Treatment is usually a mix of activity advice, exercises, footwear changes and, where needed, orthotics or other supports.

Infant foot conditions

In infants and toddlers, concerns often relate to how the feet look, how they are positioned, or changes in the skin and nails.

We regularly review conditions such as positional talipes, metatarsus adductus, infant rashes and skin or nail disorders, overlapping toes and other visible changes. In many cases, careful monitoring and simple advice are all that is needed. When treatment is required, we discuss options with you and, if appropriate, work alongside your GP or paediatrician.

Gait and movement disorders

Gait (walking and running) patterns can vary widely in young children. Sometimes, though, differences in the way a child moves start to cause tripping, pain or concerns about development.

Common reasons for referral include delayed gross motor skill acquisition, clumsiness, intoeing, outtoeing, limping and persistent toe walking. We assess strength, flexibility, alignment and balance, and look at how your child moves over ground.

Treatment may involve exercises, stretches, footwear changes, orthotics, simple braces or activity modifications. When needed, we will also suggest further medical review or imaging.

Children with disability

We work with children who have disability or long-term conditions such as autism, syndromes and cerebral palsy. The aim is to improve comfort, make everyday activities easier and support participation at home, school and in the community.

Care is usually part of a team approach. We are happy to liaise with your existing health professionals and specialists so that podiatry treatment fits sensibly alongside physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medical care and school supports.

Common children’s problems we see

Children are not just small adults. We regularly review children with:

• Foot and leg pain related to growth and sport
• Very flat feet or feet that roll in strongly when this is linked with pain, fatigue or tripping

Booking a children’s podiatry appointment

If you are unsure whether your child’s feet, legs or walking pattern are within the expected range, or if pain is stopping them from keeping up, it is worth having things checked. You can book a children’s podiatry appointment online or call the clinic to discuss the most suitable time.

Lefort Podiatry provides children’s podiatry services for patients from Forest Hill and surrounding suburbs including Burwood East, Blackburn, Vermont and Mount Waverley.