Children's Foot & Walking Assessment
Helping children move, play and develop with confidence
Children's feet change rapidly as they grow. Many concerns are a normal part of development, while others may benefit from assessment and early management.
Whether your child is experiencing pain, frequent falls, unusual walking patterns or you're simply unsure if their feet are developing normally, we're here to help.
Common reasons parents bring their child to see us
✔️ Heel pain (Sever's disease)
✔️ Flat feet
✔️ High arches
✔️ Intoeing and out-toeing
✔️ Growing pains
✔️ Walking or running difficulties
✔️ Frequent tripping or poor balance
✔️ Sports-related foot and ankle injuries
✔️. Hypermobility/Hypotonia
✔️ Footwear advice
Your child's assessment may include
Every child is different, so the assessment is tailored to their age and concerns. Depending on their symptoms, your appointment may include:
Discussion of your child's medical and developmental history
Observation of standing posture
Walking and running assessment
Foot and lower limb examination
Joint flexibility and muscle strength testing
Assessment of foot alignment
Balance and coordination assessment
Footwear assessment
Discussion of treatment options and home advice
Treatment may include
Treatment is recommended only if it is likely to benefit your child.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:
Individualised strengthening and stretching exercises
Footwear advice
Activity modification
Padding or taping
Orthotic therapy
Management of sporting injuries
Referral for imaging or specialist opinion if required
Many children simply require reassurance and regular monitoring as their feet continue to develop.
When should my child be assessed?
It may be worthwhile arranging an assessment if your child:
Complains of foot, heel or leg pain
Avoids walking, running or sport
Frequently trips or falls
Walks on their toes beyond early childhood
Has feet that appear significantly different from other children of the same age
Has difficulty keeping up with their peers during physical activity
Has persistent concerns that aren't improving with growth
Why early assessment matters
Most childhood foot concerns are straightforward to assess and many improve naturally with growth. When treatment is needed, identifying the cause early can help reduce pain, improve participation in sport and everyday activities, and provide reassurance for parents.
FAQS
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Yes. Flexible flat feet are very common in young children and usually improve as the foot develops. Treatment isn't always necessary unless your child has pain, fatigue or difficulty with everyday activities.
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Toe walking is common in toddlers learning to walk. Persistent toe walking beyond the early years, or toe walking associated with stiffness, pain or developmental concerns, should be assessed.
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Not necessarily. Orthotics are recommended only when they're likely to improve pain, function or walking. Many children don't require orthotics and are managed successfully with education, footwear advice or exercises.
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A well-fitting shoe appropriate for your child's activities is often more important than buying the most expensive shoe. We'll advise you if footwear changes are likely to help.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether your child has heel pain, flat feet, toe walking or you're simply looking for reassurance, we're here to help you understand what's normal and when treatment may be beneficial.