Paediatric Podiatry
(Children's)
At Elite Foot Care on the Sunshine Coast, we offer professional yet warm paediatric podiatry services to keep your child’s feet healthy and pain-free. We provide comprehensive children’s foot care in a friendly environment, helping kids stay active and comfortable as they grow. From toddlers taking their first steps to teens dealing with sports injuries, our experienced team covers all aspects of pediatric foot health with genuine care and expertise.
What Is Paediatric Podiatry?
Paediatric podiatry is the field of podiatry focused on children’s foot and lower limb health. It involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and leg pain, structural alignment problems, and gait disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. In other words, a paediatric podiatrist addresses any issues in growing feet – from flat feet and walking abnormalities to skin and nail conditions – with treatments tailored for young patients.
Why is children’s foot care so important? As children grow, their feet undergo significant changes that can impact overall well-being. Lower limb problems are sometimes overlooked at an early age, leading to unnecessary pain and difficulty keeping up with peers. Untreated foot issues can affect a child’s sports performance or confidence in play. Early assessment and intervention is key to addressing problems before they escalate, ensuring proper foot development and keeping kids pain-free as they grow.
Common Children’s Foot Conditions We Treat
Our clinic addresses a full scope of pediatric foot and ankle issues. Some common conditions and concerns include:
Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Low or no arch in the foot. Flat feet are very common in young children, but if fallen arches cause pain or affect your child’s gait, we can provide support such as proper footwear advice or custom orthotics.
In-Toeing & Out-Toeing: These gait abnormalities involve walking with feet turned inward (in-toeing) or outward (out-toeing). Such patterns can make children trip frequently or feel clumsy. We assess the underlying cause and guide appropriate correction to improve walking posture and balance.
Toe Walking: Habitually walking on tip-toes instead of a normal heel-to-toe gait. Persistent toe walking can lead to tight calf muscles and balance issues. We identify why your child is toe-walking and offer strategies to encourage a normal gait, such as stretching exercises, strength training, or orthotic inserts.
Plantar Warts: Painful warts on the bottom of the foot caused by a virus. Children often pick up plantar warts at public pools or playgrounds, and they can be stubborn to treat. Our podiatrists use gentle, effective treatments to safely remove warts and prevent them from spreading.
Ingrown Toenails: When a toenail’s edge grows into the surrounding skin, it causes redness, pain, and sometimes infection. Ingrown nails can be especially common in the big toe. We provide safe, child-friendly treatment for ingrown toenails—relieving pain and preventing infection so your little one can get back to comfortable walking.
Foot Pain & “Growing Pains”: Children may complain of heel pain, arch pain, or leg aches often referred to as “growing pains.” These pains sometimes have an underlying cause such as Sever’s disease (inflammation of the heel’s growth plate) or muscle tightness from foot misalignment. We diagnose what’s causing the discomfort and treat it, helping your child stay active.
Sports Injuries: Active kids can suffer sprains, stress fractures, or other foot and leg injuries during play and sports. We offer prompt assessment and treatment—from managing sprains and minor fractures to addressing ligament and tendon pain. Our goal is to speed up recovery safely and guide your young athlete back to their sport with proper rehabilitation.
Balance or Gait Abnormalities: If you’ve noticed your child limping, tripping frequently, or walking in an unusual way, it could signal an underlying issue. We conduct thorough gait and balance evaluations to identify any problems. With early intervention, we can help correct these issues before they become long-term concerns.
It’s never “normal” for a child to have ongoing foot or leg pain. If something about your child’s feet or the way they walk seems off, a paediatric podiatry check-up can provide answers and relief.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Podiatry Visit
Visiting a podiatrist can be unfamiliar to a child, so we aim to make the experience as comfortable and positive as possible. Here’s what you and your child can expect at an Elite Foot Care appointment:
A Warm, Kid-Friendly Welcome: Our Sunshine Coast clinic is designed to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We greet your child warmly, take time to help them feel at ease, and explain things in simple, reassuring terms.
Comprehensive Foot Assessment: Our podiatrist will gently examine your child’s feet, ankles, and legs, observing how they move and walk. We check factors like foot structure, muscle flexibility, and any areas of pain or concern.
Clear Communication: We believe in partnering with parents. After the exam, the podiatrist will explain any findings in easy-to-understand language. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions, ensuring both you and your child understand what’s going on.
Personalised Treatment Plan: If treatment is required, we’ll develop a plan tailored to your child’s needs—whether it’s stretches or exercises, footwear recommendations, orthotic inserts, or in-clinic treatments for specific issues like ingrown toenails or warts.
Follow-Up and Support: Before you leave, we’ll discuss any recommended follow-up visits and provide tips for managing your child’s foot health at home. Our team remains available for questions or concerns after your appointment.
Throughout the visit, we prioritize your child’s comfort. We may use toys, games, or friendly distractions to help younger kids relax. Older children and teens are treated with respect and involved in discussions about their care.
Early care can make all the difference in your child’s foot health, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns. If you’re looking for a kids podiatrist on the Sunshine Coast, we’re here to help. Contact Elite Foot Care today to book a paediatric podiatry appointment with our friendly team. You can call us or book online through our website.
Our Podiatrists
Our team of Sunshine Coast Podiatrists have decades of experience treating all hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot and heel pain as well as a range of skin and nail conditions including ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, warts and more.
They share a passion for helping the community stay strong and active, helping them achieve their ultimate health outcomes.
Their experience combined with the best treatment technologies available, allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our community.
Benefits of a personalised treatment plan
Reduced Pain
Using the worlds best treatment technology and methods, we can accelerate your recovery to achieve your ultimate health outcome sooner.
Increased Strength
With a prescribed exercise rehab program, your surrounding muscles will strengthen and take the load off your affected tissue. The result is lasting pain relief.
Become More Active
Working with your Podiatrist to complete your personalised treatment plan, you'll be able to do more of the things you love with friends and family.
How it works
1. Schedule an Appointment
Book online or call one of our friendly reception staff on 07 5328 3588 to find a time that suits you.
2. We Handle the Details
Our experienced Podiatrists will diagnose, create a custom treatment plan and treat in the very first session.
3. Be More Active With Less Pain
Spend more time with your family and friends being active and doing the things you love.
What you'll get...
Experienced Podiatrists
Our Podiatrists have decades of experience treating an array of conditions.
Comprehensive Consultations
Our Podiatrists will leave no stone unturned in finding the root cause of your issue.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Our Podiatrists will create a truly custom treatment plan to achieve your ideal outcomes.
Communication
Our Podiatrists will clearly explain your condition, providing insight into its nature and treatment options.
Best Treatment Technology
We utilise state-of-the-art treatment technologies including: Shockwave Therapy, 3D Laser Scanners, Lunula Fungal Nail Laser to provide our patients with the best possible care.
On-site Manufacturing
Our on-site orthotics manufacturing lab allows us to do same or next day orthotic dispenses.