Your Children’s feet

Children’s Podiatry services Adelaide: Understanding Your Child’s Foot Development Journey

Watching your child take their first steps is magical, but did you know their feet are on an equally amazing developmental journey? As a podiatrist in North Adelaide, we understand how crucial proper foot development is for your child’s future mobility and wellbeing. At just 6 months old, your baby’s tiny feet are primarily composed of soft cartilage – a flexible, bendable material that’s literally transforming as they grow.

 

Why Proper Footwear Matters

Children’s feet are incredibly soft and malleable compared to adult feet. This flexibility means their developing feet can be easily influenced by their environment, particularly their footwear. Ensuring properly fitted shoes is crucial – shoes that are too small can restrict natural growth and development, potentially causing issues down the track.

 

Flat Feet: Completely Normal

Here’s something that often concerns new parents: most babies are born with flat feet, and this is entirely normal! During the first five years of life, foot arches typically develop naturally as muscles strengthen and bones mature. It’s one of those incredible processes our bodies handle automatically.

 

Children’s Heel Pain: Understanding Calcaneal Apophysitis

Yes, children can experience heel pain, though it differs from adult conditions. The most common cause is calcaneal apophysitis (Severs), a condition we frequently treat at our North Adelaide children’s podiatry clinic. This typically occurs during growth spurts when the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, creating tension and discomfort. Young athletes and active children are particularly susceptible to this condition.

 

When to Visit a Paediatric Podiatrist in North Adelaide

Consider scheduling a consultation with our children’s podiatry team if you notice:

• Your child’s feet excessively rolling inward (pronation) during walking
• Difficulty maintaining balance or frequent falls
• Persistent complaints of foot or leg pain or growing pains
• Any concerns about their walking pattern or foot appearance
• Heel pain in active children
• Toe walking beyond age 2-3

Since foot characteristics often run in families, it’s worth monitoring any patterns you might recognize from your own family history. Early intervention by a qualified podiatrist can make a significant difference.

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