Children’s Feet

Our experts can tell you whether your child has any problems that need to be addressed, whether their shoes are causing more harm than good and the best way to look after young feet when they are at their most vulnerable: from birth to the teenage years.

Most complaints, such as heel pain, ingrown toenails, verrucas, or foot and leg pain, are usually fairly simple to fix as babies and pre-schoolers, but if they are left too late then surgery may be the only answer.

Our podiatrists understand the strains and pressures placed on them by their active owners and can help analyse the way your child walks to make sure they do not suffer discomfort and pain later in life.

Let us help set your children off on the right foot with advice about choosing shoes; what to look for and what to avoid. Shoes should be:

• Snug around the mid foot; the heel should not slip out of the back, which should be firm; the sole and upper should bend easily across the ball of the foot, not the middle.
• A thumb-width of room in the front is enough, otherwise they will claw their toes to grip on.
• Leather is best because it moulds to the shape of the foot. Do not wear hand-me-downs, which have moulded to someone else’s shape.
• Choose lightweight shoes and avoid clunky soles.
• Get both feet measured and make your child stand up to try shoes on because the feet become larger under the weight of the body.