Our guide to healthy little feet
Common childhood Musculoskeletal conditions
In-toeing
This is a condition where the child’s toes point inward when walking, which can be due to the positioning of the feet, shinbone, or thighbone. You may notice that they are tripping or stumbling frequently (though many children with in-toeing do not experience problems with balance or motor skills). You will notice that your childs gait appears abnormal with their toes turned inward. Most cases do tend to resolve on their own as your child grows. In older children physical therapy and stretches can help, however in rare cases, corrective shoes or casting may be used if the condition is more severe.
Out-toeing
Opposite to in-toeing, out-toeing is a condition where the feet point outward when walking. While less common than in-toeing, it can still occur in children and is usually related to how the bones in the legs, hips, or feet are aligned. Like in-toeing, out-toeing often corrects itself as children grow, but there can be underlying causes. You will notice your childs feet are externally rotated when walking or standing. This condition usually improves without intervention. In rare cases, bracing or surgery may be necessary if the condition persists or worsens.
For both of these conditions we would recommend booking in for a Paediatric Musculoskeletal Assessment so that our specialist podiatrist can perform a through examination of your childs feet and discuss what we can do to help.
Common childhood Musculoskeletal conditions
Toe Walking
Toe walking is when a child walks on the balls of their feet without the heels touching the ground. It is quite common in toddlers learning to walk, but most children outgrow it as they develop their balance and coordination. It is common in toddlers but may persist in older children. If it continues past the toddler years, it may be linked to other conditions that should be investigated. Physical therapy, and stretching exercises may be recommended in persistent cases. Early detection and treatment can help avoid complications, such as muscle stiffness or posture problems.
Heel Pain (Sever’s Disease)
Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, particularly in those involved in sports. It appears when the growth plate in the heel (which is still developing in children) becomes inflamed due to overuse or stress. Your child will experience pain in their heel, especially after physical activity. They will also likely have swelling, redness, or tenderness around the heel area. Treatment for this condition includes ice, heel pads, or physical therapy.
For both of these conditions we would recommend booking in for a Paediatric Musculoskeletal Assessment so that our specialist podiatrist can perform a through examination of your childs feet and discuss what we can do to help.
Common childhood foot and skin conditions
Verrucas
Verrucas (also known as plantar warts) and warts are common viral skin infections in children, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They often occur on the feet and are more prevalent in children due to their developing immune systems and frequent skin-to-skin contact in activities like sports or play. Verrucas are flat, may have a central black dot (blood vessel), and are often painful when pressed due to their location on weight-bearing areas. They are more common in places such as swimming pools or communal showers where children may walk barefoot. They are commonly spread amongst children who like playing sports, share towels, or those who use public spaces like swimming pools.
For this condition we would recommend booking in for an Initial Verruca Assessment so that our specialist podiatrist can perform a through examination of your childs feet and discuss what treatment would be best for them. We have various treatment methods including Swift microwave therapy, which has proven to be extremely effective.
Customer Reviews for Chiltern Wellbeing
Don’t take our word for it, see what Chiltern Wellbeing’s customers have to say about us.
Podiatry Services
A Podiatrist can treat anything from an ingrowing toe nail requiring surgery under local anaesthetic to designing a custom made foot orthotic to assist with tendon or joint dysfunction or pain. We are also highly specialised to manage the Diabetic or High-Risk foot and the subsequent wounds that can arise.
