KIDS PODIATRY GUIDE

FOOT, ANKLE & LOWER LIMB ISSUES

Is your child experiencing foot, knee or back pain?

Do you have concerns about the way they walk or run?

It’s very common for youngsters to experience lower limb pain and growing pains right through to
their late teens.

Feet, while often overlooked, play an incredibly important role in keeping the rest of the body in
alignment.

Here at North West Physiotherapy, our friendly physiotherapists and podiatrist work together to
resolve foot and lower limb issues in children with:

Convenient – back to back appointments available under the same roof

Two health care professionals, one holistic treatment plan

Custom orthotics lab

The sooner we
Orthotics eligible for health care rebates can treat & manage
conditions – the less
No referrals required – just book an appointment with our time it takes to get
issues resolved or
physio or podiatrist
under control
- Nathan

COMMON ISSUES IN CHILDREN’S PODIATRY

SHIN SPLINTS HEEL PAIN FLAT FEET ANKLE SPRAINS INGROWN TOENAILS CALF PAIN OVERPRONATION

What to look for:

Irregular or uneven wear patterns on shoes | Limping | Walking awkwardly | Hobbling
Asymmetrical legs or feet | Arches that are too low or too high

3 STEP GUIDE TO COMFORTABLE SCHOOLS SHOES

(THAT WILL STOP YOUR KIDS COMPLAINING)

1.
BUY GOOD SHOES
Supportive shoes are the best
way to keep children comfortable,
check out our tips on the page 3.
2.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL OPINION
If you are unsure or concerned
about a potential problem, we can
help.
3.
GET CUSTOM ORTHOTICS
If recommended, custom orthotics
make sure that your child’s foot is
correctly aligned and supported.
And private health rebates are
available!

Copyright © 2020 North West Physio. All Rights Reserved. northwestphysio.com.au

 5 MYTHS ABOUT ORTHOTICS

E
ORTHOTICS HURT FALS
Well-made custom orthotics definitely shouldn’t hurt – and if they do, you
should communicate that to your podiatrist. Some patients will find that
their orthotics will require a “breaking in” period that can take from a few days to a few
weeks. But it’s just as common for patients to find them comfortable – or even a relief,
immediately

E
FALS
ORTHOTICS ARE BULKY AND ONLY FIT IN UGLY
SHOES
Orthotics work best in supportive shoes, but we offer a custom made slim lined orthotic, to
ensure that they’ll fit into a range of footwear options.

Your children won’t be limited to just wearing school shoes or sandshoes, there are a
range of brands that cater to orthotics while keeping style in mind – ask us for advice on
the best options.

E
ORTHOTICS MAKE YOUR MUSCLES WEAK FALS
People often think that orthotics will allow your muscles to become weak
from ‘relying’ on the support they provide. Orthotics work more like glasses,
they only work while you are wearing them, and they do not weaken the muscles in
your feet and legs.

OFF THE SHELF ORTHOTICS WORK THE SAME AS CUSTOM MADE E

FALS
While off the shelf orthotics might appear to be more affordable, these
orthotics are made to fit the average person’s foot, so won’t address your individual
needs. Therefore, they may not be as effective as they aren’t customised to your foot
profile.

While off the shelf orthotics might appear to be more affordable, these orthotics are
made to fit the average person’s foot, so won’t address your individual needs. Therefore, they may not be as effective
as they aren’t customised to your foot profile.

Our custom made orthotics are created to fit your foot alone. We take a custom 3D mold of your feet, to ensure a
perfect fit, even if your feet are uneven. Then we craft a custom orthotic from the materials that suit your needs.

PLUS custom orthotics can be claimed through your health insurance provider, off the shelf orthotics cannot.

E
FALS
WEARING ORTHOTICS MEANS YOU DON’T NEED GOOD
SHOES
Orthotics can only provide support below the foot. It’s up to the shoe to hold
your foot in the correct position on the orthotic and provide enough ankle support. If a
shoe is not well constructed – and does not offer support around the sides and top of
the foot - your orthotic won’t be able to perform to the best of its ability.

Copyright © 2020 North West Physio. All Rights Reserved. northwestphysio.com.au

 EXPERT TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL SHOES

PROPER FIT

Having the shoes properly fitted before buying them is paramount. That way you
can make sure feet have enough room to grow over the coming months, and the
shoe supports the child well. It’s important to check both the width and length of left
and right shoes when the child is standing, to be certain both feet are stretched out
properly when they’re weight bearing.

TYPE OF SHOE

Lace up shoes will often provide more support than Velcro options or slip-ons. There
are several ways shoes can be laced to offer additional ankle support when required.
It’s important to encourage children to do up the laces (or velcro) properly to hold the
foot in place securely, rather than just pulling the shoes on.

MATERIAL OF SHOE

As children are no doubt going to be running through rain or muddy puddles in their
new shoes, it’s important to pick a pair which are made from breathable and water-
resistant material. The soles of the shoes should be durable and able to absorb shock
well, for all of the running and jumping they will do.

SHOE FLEXIBILITY

As with any pair of shoes – the sole shouldn’t be too rigid. Children are going to be
active before, during and after school, so the shoes need flexibility so the child can
move well.

COST

Cost is always going to be a factor when Cost can play a large part in the quality of
shoes which a parent or carer may buy for the child, especially as shoes are often
outgrown quickly. However, it’s important to remember cost is not always indicative in
the quality of a shoe.

PODIATRY & PHYSIOTHERAPY UNDER ONE ROOF

Having a physiotherapist and podiatrist under the same roof means your health specialists can
work together to customise a treatment plan. Whether it’s a foot, ankle or lower limb condition we
can work with you to, have your children skipping along pain free in no time.

Book an appointment with North West Physiotherapy today to ensure the comfort of your child –
and to put your mind at ease.

EVERTON PARK KEPERRA EATONS HILL NUNDAH

(07) 3353 4111 (07) 3198 4444 (07) 3333 1646 (07) 3102 1322

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Copyright © 2020 North West Physio. All Rights Reserved. northwestphysio.com.au