Walking problems

Bowlegs When standing straight with toes pointing forward, children with bowlegs will have ankles that touch and knees that do not. A biomechanical assessment with one of our Podiatrists is recommended in order to determine the best treatment plan and avoid further complications. Toe Walking Toe walking is a fairly common condition in children who…

Knee Pain

Does your child often complain from physical activity such as running, jumping, squatting and kneeling? Is there a swollen bump under your child’s knee-cap? Despite these problems can your child still walk normally without any obvious limp or pain? The onset of Knee Pain typically starts when your child is between 10 to 15 years…

Heel Pain

Does your child have difficulties in walking? Do they experience pain in their heels? Sever’s Disease is a common cause of heel pain in developing children, especially those who are physically active. It normally occurs during the growth spurt of early puberty and can commence any time between the ages of 8-13 for girls and…

Flat Feet

There are two types of Flat Feet in children – Flexible and Rigid. In Flexible Flat Feet, the arch disappears when standing but returns when not standing. Though a Flexible Flat Foot is considered to be a variation of normal because the muscles and joints still function normally, this condition can continue and worsen into…

Intoeing – ‘Pigeon Toes’

Intoeing occurs when a child’s feet turn inward instead of pointing straight ahead when they walk or run. It is commonly referred to as being “pigeon-toed”. Occasionally, severe intoeing may cause young children to stumble or trip as they catch their toes on their opposite heel. Three common conditions that cause intoeing are: Curved foot…

Corns and Calluses

Although corns and calluses are both thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when your skin tries to protect itself against friction, they are not the same thing. Corns are painful, smaller and have a hard centre surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns tend to develop in places on your foot that do not bear weight…

Diabetic Foot Care

Diligent foot care is required for diabetic patients in order to prevent serious complications. The feet of diabetic patients are at particular risk for problems as this condition can cause damage to the nerves and blood supply. This is especially likely if a person: Has had diabetes for a long time Has had high levels…

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are hard, grainy growths that are the result of Human Papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is the most common viral infection that affects the skin. Signs and symptoms of plantar warts can include: A small, fleshy, rough, grainy growth (lesion) on the bottom of the foot Hard, thickened skin (callus) over a well-defined spot…

Nails

Ingrown toe nails Ingrown toe nails are commonly seen in our practice. Typically, a nail becomes ingrown when a corner punctures the skin surrounding the toe, resulting in pain and infection. Possible causes include: Improper cutting of the toenail Poorly fitted footwear Toe nail injury Poor foot hygiene or excessive sweating At our practice, ingrown…

Flat Feet

Flat Feet is a condition that affects both children and adults. It occurs when the arch on the inside of the foot is flattened such that, when standing, the entire sole of the foot touches the floor. Flat Feet can occur when the arches do not develop during childhood, after an injury or from the…

Bunions

A bunion is usually described as a bump on the side of the big toe causing it to lean toward the second toe rather than pointing straight ahead. The primary cause for a bunion is the genetically inherited mechanical structure of the foot. Symptoms may include: Pain Inflammation and redness A burning sensation Possible numbness…

Heel Pain

Typically, heel pain is felt by middle-aged men and woman, those who regularly partake in sporting activities and those significantly overweight and on their feet a lot. Heel spurs, bony and painful growths hidden under the heel bone, are a common cause of heel pain. Heel pain and heel spurs are often associated with an…