Many reasons can justify bringing your child to see a podiatrist. A child is constantly growing; it is important to verify that he or she is doing it properly. A child will not necessarily complain of pain if there is a problem with their feet, ankles, knees or hips. It is only later that symptoms appear. Fortunately, permanent correction and prevention of many paediatric problems can be done when treatment is started early.
Myth
A child’s foot keeps on growing and changing until puberty.
Reality
A child’s foot reaches its adult shape by the age of 7. Afterward, the foot only gets bigger but stays with any deformity not corrected at a younger age.
It is beneficial to see a podiatrist if:
- Your child’s shoes are unusually worn off
- Your child falls often
- Your child walks with their knees inwards
- Your child walks with their feet inwards
- Your child walks with their heels up
What is the process of a child’s podiatry consultation?
Here is what you should expect from your child’s podiatry consultation:
1. Evaluation of all the joints
Your podiatrist will first start to evaluate the motion and muscle strength of your child’s feet, ankles, knees, and hips. Your podiatrist will then compare them to what are the normal values for your child’s age.
2. Evaluation of posture
Your podiatrist will then evaluate if your child’s feet, ankles, knees, and hips are aligned properly when you are standing up and active. Your podiatrist will also evaluate your child’s overall posture in order to determine if his or her weight is distributed evenly.
3. Evaluation of walking and running
Because some problems only happen when your child walks or runs, your podiatrist will also evaluate how your child’s feet, ankles, knees, and hips move when he or she is walking and running.