Children's Podiatry

At Cheshire Podiatry, we provide expert children’s podiatry in Cheshire for a wide range of foot problems, including heel pain, flat feet, verrucae, ingrowing toenails and walking concerns. Our child-friendly assessments are designed to provide clear advice, effective treatment and reassurance for both children and parents.

Children’s feet are still developing, which means some concerns are part of normal growth, while others may benefit from professional assessment and treatment. We are here to help you understand the difference and guide you towards the right next steps for your child.

Whether your child has foot pain, discomfort during sport, concerns about walking, or ongoing nail or skin problems, our experienced team provides care in a calm, friendly and professional setting.

Children's Podiatry @ Cheshire Podiatry

What is children's podiatry?

Children’s podiatry, also known as podopaediatrics, focuses on the assessment and treatment of foot, toe, nail and walking problems in children and teenagers. Because children’s feet and lower limbs are constantly changing as they grow, assessment needs to take into account their age, development, activity levels and symptoms.

At Cheshire Podiatry, we understand that children are not just small adults. Their feet, walking patterns and posture can change naturally over time, so it is important to know when reassurance is enough and when treatment may be helpful.

When should my child see a podiatrist?

It may be worth arranging an appointment if your child has:

heel pain or foot pain
flat feet or concerns about foot posture
toe walking or an unusual walking pattern
in-toeing or out-toeing
frequent tripping or poor balance
verrucae or warts on the feet
ingrowing toenails or painful nails
corns, hard skin or rubbing from footwear
pain during sport or activity
ongoing symptoms that are affecting school, play or day-to-day activities

Patient centred approach

Some children’s foot concerns are part of normal development, but persistent pain, limping, repeated problems or anything that is causing concern should be assessed.

Common Foot Problems in Children

Flat feet & fallen arches in children

Flat feet are very common in children and are often completely normal. However, if flat feet are painful, causing fatigue, affecting walking or linked to poor foot posture, an assessment can help determine whether treatment or supportive advice is needed.

Toe walking- In-toeing and Out-toeing

Often noticed when children start walking, in-toeing (pigeon-toeing) and out-toeing can affect balance and gait. These issues usually resolve naturally, but in some cases, early intervention is beneficial. Our team can provide exercises or suggest corrective footwear to help guide foot alignment.

Heel Pain

Heel pain is a common problem in active children and is often caused by Sever’s disease, a growth-related condition affecting the heel. It can make walking, running and sport painful, particularly during periods of rapid growth. At Cheshire Podiatry, we offer expert assessment and personalised treatment, including activity modification and heel support, to relieve discomfort and help your child stay active

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be painful and even lead to infection in children. This condition may occur due to improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or simply natural nail growth patterns. Our podiatrists provide safe, effective treatment for ingrown toenails, ensuring pain relief and preventing recurrence.

Verrucae in children

Caused by a virus, verrucae can be painful, especially on weight-bearing areas of the feet. We offer child-friendly treatment options to treat them safely and minimise discomfort, helping your child get back to their activities without pain.

Corn, hard skin and nail problems

Children can also develop hard skin, corns, rubbing from footwear and nail problems that benefit from professional care and advice.

Knock knees

Knock knees are common in young children and occur when the knees touch but the ankles remain apart when standing. This is often a normal part of development and usually improves naturally by around the age of 7. If it is painful, severe or affecting walking, an assessment may be helpful.

Treatment options for children's problems

Treatment will depend on your child’s age, symptoms and the cause of the problem. This may include:

podiatry treatment to relieve pain or pressure
footwear advice
padding or offloading
exercises and stretching advice
gait assessment
verruca treatment
nail care and ingrowing toenail treatment
advice on monitoring development
biomechanical assessment where appropriate
orthotic advice or supportive insoles if needed

Our aim is always to provide the most appropriate treatment while keeping things as simple, practical and effective as possible.

Why choose Cheshire Podiatry for children's foot care?

At Cheshire Podiatry, we provide experienced, professional care in a calm and welcoming environment. We understand that children can feel nervous about appointments, so we take time to explain everything clearly and make treatment as comfortable and reassuring as possible.

We aim to give parents confidence and clarity, whether the problem requires treatment or simply reassurance and advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@cheshirepodiatry.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Do all children with flat feet need treatment?

No. Flat feet are common in children and are often a normal part of development. Treatment is usually only needed if the feet are painful, affecting walking, causing fatigue, or linked to poor foot function.

What causes heel pain in children?

Heel pain in children is often linked to growth-related strain, sport or overuse. A common cause is Sever’s disease, which affects the growth plate at the heel and can make walking, running and exercise uncomfortable.

Is toe walking or frequent tripping always a concern?

Not always. Some younger children toe walk as part of normal development, and some children are naturally less coordinated than others. However, persistent toe walking, repeated tripping, tightness, poor balance or discomfort should be assessed.

Can children have verruca treatment?

Yes. Verrucae are common in children and do not always need treatment, as some resolve naturally over time. If they are painful, spreading, persistent or affecting walking, we can assess them and advise on the most suitable treatment options.

Can you treat ingrowing toenails in children?

Yes. We regularly assess and treat painful ingrowing toenails in children and teenagers. Treatment may include conservative care, nail care advice, footwear guidance and discussion of longer-term treatment if the problem keeps returning.

What happens at a children’s podiatry appointment?

The appointment usually includes a discussion about symptoms, activity levels, footwear and medical history, followed by an examination of the feet. If needed, we may also assess how your child stands and walks, and we will explain everything clearly before recommending any treatment.

Will the appointment hurt?

Most assessments are gentle and straightforward. If treatment is needed, we will explain everything carefully first and keep your child as comfortable and reassured as possible.

Podopaediatrics- Expert footcare for children and teenagers

Call us @ Wilmslow: 01625 535 555 or Macclesfield: 01625 500 600

Call us @ Wilmslow: 01625 535 555 or Macclesfield: 01625 500 600

Call us @ Wilmslow: 01625 535 555 or Macclesfield: 01625 500 600

Call us @ Wilmslow: 01625 535 555 or Macclesfield: 01625 500 600

Call us @ Wilmslow: 01625 535 555 or Macclesfield: 01625 500 600

Call us @ Wilmslow: 01625 535 555 or Macclesfield: 01625 500 600