Podopaediatrics - Podiatry for kids

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Adult healthy feet have 26 bones, but at birth a babies foot has 45 peices of soft cartilage. During childhood, these bones begin to harden (or ossify) then fuse together and are not fully developed until about the age of 18. It is very important during these early years to look after children’s developing feet as they are very sensitive to pressure.

Podopeadiatrics is the area of Podiatry focusing on the treatment of children and the various issues that can affect a young persons limbs. This is a vital service that focuses on the long term foot and leg health of children during their development. 

At Cheshire Podiatry we can deal with podiatric and muscular skeletal (posture, muscle, joint, development issues) needs of children. 

At Cheshire Podiatry we can treat a wide range of issues in clinic which are shown below:

• Tip toe walking: it's common for children aged 3 and under to walk on their toes.

• Ingrowing toe nails 

• Intoeing (pigeon toes) :This is where a childs feet turn in. This condition usually corrects itself by the age of 8 and does not require treatment.

• Out-toeing: this is where the feet point outwards. Again, this usually corrects itself and treatment isn't needed in most cases.

• Flat feet & Fallen arches: if your child appears to have flat feet, don't worry. Flat feet usually correct themselves by the age of 6.

• Knock knees – this is when a child stands with their knees together and there's a gap between their ankles. Knock knees usually correct themselves by the age of 7.

• Verrucae

Within our gait analysis and biomechanical assessments, we can assess children for unadressed structural patterns with the feet and legs that can worsen over time, eventually causing severe issues with their gait. If early diagnosis of conditons are made, many long term chronic mobility issues can be safely and effectively addressed, sparing great discomfort in later life. 

Please remember that every child is different and will grow at different rates and genetic tendencies can be difficult to halt – orthotics will protect and support in these cases.This will help with their development and support areas of weakness.

Children are assessed with their parents present and advice is given by your podiatrist on the appropriate management for the condition. T-shirt and shorts are useful to aid assessment as well as a selection of their daily, sport and recreational shoes. Cheshire Podiatry will make sure your child is seen within the friendly and comfortable clinical setting that will allow them to relax and be assessed whatever their needs, with treatment provided by a knowledgable and experienced Podiatrist.