Why Choose Melbourne Sports Podiatry for your Kids?
Your kids as well as many other kids during their developmental years will go through similar injuries, pains and problems. However not all children grow and develop at the same rate or in the same way. This makes it tricky as a parent to know when pain is a problem or merely just a developmental change.
Our job is to help parents with 4 very specific areas of concern:
1. Assessing Future Risk of Foot, Knee, or Hip Issues in Kids
Looking at whether your child is at risk of a foot, knee or hip issue in the future due to flat or unstable feet.
2. Evaluating Growing Pains in Children
Assessing growing pains, which is pain developed as a result of the growth plate not fusing with the bone. Commonly seen in the heel and below the knee cap between the ages of 7-14.
3. Strength, Balance, and Walking Training for Kids
Providing strength, balance and walking training when a child needs to change their biomechanics due to poor movement patterns.
4. Appropriate Footwear for Kids
Helping parents save money by providing a clear footwear blueprint so they can spend appropriately on the right shoe for kids.
Common Podiatric Issues in Children That We Treat
Children can experience a range of foot and leg issues, including:
- Flat Feet: A condition where the arch of the foot does not develop properly.
- In-Toeing and Out-Toeing: When the feet point inward or outward excessively while walking.
- Knock Knees (Genu Valgum): A condition where the knees angle in and touch each other when the legs are straightened.
- Bow Legs (Genu Varum): The legs curve outward at the knees while the feet and ankles touch.
- Curly Toes: Toes that are curled due to tight tendons or muscles.
- High Arches: An excessively raised arch that can cause instability and pain.
- Growing Pains (Type 1 and Type 2): Common aches and pains associated with growth spurts.
- Juvenile Arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis affecting children.
- Ankle Instability: Frequent ankle sprains or a feeling of the ankle giving way.
- Ball of Toe Pain: Pain in the metatarsal region due to various causes.
- Leg and Hip Pain: Often related to growth spurts and physical activity.
- Heel Pain: Often caused by Sever's disease, common in growing children.
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A viral infection causing sores on the hands, feet, and mouth.
- Warts (Papillomas): Caused by a viral infection, these can be painful and spread easily.
- Ingrown Toenails: When the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and swelling.
- Clumsiness: Often related to developmental delays or coordination issues.
- Tarsal Coalition: An abnormal connection between two or more bones in the foot.
- Hypermobility: Excessive flexibility in the joints, leading to instability and pain.
- Neurological Conditions Affecting the Feet: Conditions such as Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Autism can affect foot development and function.
- Early-Stage Bunions: The beginnings of bunion formation, often seen as a bump on the side of the big toe.
Our Paediatric Podiatry provides a tailored foot and ankle services that focus and work specifically for children
Specific Treatments Offered
- Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts to support and align the feet properly.
- Gait Analysis: A thorough examination of the child's walking pattern to identify and treat abnormalities.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises and activities to strengthen the muscles and improve foot function.
- Footwear Advice: Recommendations on the best types of shoes to support healthy foot development.
- Surgical Interventions: For severe cases, minor surgical procedures might be necessary.
Benefits of Consulting Our Paediatric Podiatrist:
- Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Addressing issues early can prevent more serious problems later.
- Customised Care: Tailored treatment plans to suit each child's specific needs.
- Holistic Approach: Combining different treatment methods for comprehensive care.
Expertise and Qualifications
At Melbourne Sports Podiatry, our team is led by Dr. Steven Singh, a highly qualified podiatrist with a degree from La Trobe University and additional certifications in fitness. Dr. Singh has extensive experience in treating children and has worked as a senior student podiatry educator at La Trobe University.
Professional Guidelines
Our practices are in line with the latest professional guidelines and standards set by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). We ensure that all treatments are evidence-based and follow best practice protocols.
Our Podiatry Clinic Locations
We Accept All HICAPS Providers.
No referral is required.
