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Foot and Leg Pain Centre

Leading Children's Podiatrists Glenhaven

Supporting tiny feet on their journey

Paediatric Podiatrist

Does your little one regularly mention discomfort in their feet or legs?

As the owner and Certified Sports Podiatrist at the Foot and Leg Pain Centre near Glenhaven, Dr Angus Chard PhD has a particular passion for children’s podiatry. His Doctorate in Lower-Limb and Foot Musculoskeletal Medicine, with a focus on Paediatric and Sports Injuries, makes him highly qualified in treating children’s foot and leg conditions. Dr Chard oversees every treatment at the clinic, ensuring that his team of podiatrists, who also prioritise children’s podiatry, deliver exceptional care tailored to young patients. 

Paediatric Podiatrist Glenhaven

Children can find medical settings intimidating, so we strive to make our space welcoming and comfortable. By avoiding unnecessary seriousness, we ensure a positive experience while providing the best possible care for every child. 

Michael Chard, a Licensed Service Dog, provides incredible comfort and emotional support with his gentle scratches and cuddles. His calm and loving nature helps reduce anxiety in children and brings peace to those who need it most. 

Service dog in Paediatric Podiatry near Glenhaven

Foot and Leg Pain Centre

Ways We Can Help

Flat Feet

Flat feet in children, commonly observed after 18 months, are usually harmless and tend to self-correct over time. However, in some cases, they don’t resolve and can lead to lifelong complications. Just like regular eye and dental check-ups, early assessment is key to identifying treatable conditions. With proper monitoring, children can be guided to outgrow these issues effectively.

Intoe Walking

Intoe walking, also known as pigeon toes, is a common condition in young children and often corrects itself by the age of 4. If it persists beyond this age, it may result in instability, discomfort, or changes in movement patterns. Early intervention can help ensure proper development and avoid potential problems.

Toe Walking

Toe walking is often seen in toddlers but, if it continues past age 4, it may signal underlying issues like muscle tightness or neurological conditions. Without intervention, it could result in joint pain or discomfort in the knees and lower back. Early evaluation is crucial to address these concerns, support proper growth, and maintain your child’s mobility and comfort.

Late or Non Walkers

Children who haven’t started walking by 18 months may face underlying foot or leg challenges. Early assessment and periodic measurements help track and support their developmental milestones.

Banana Foot

Metatarsus adductus, commonly known as banana foot, presents as an inward curve of the feet, typically caused by the foetal position and uterine pressure. Although it can resolve naturally by age 4, treatment is most effective before age 2. Without intervention, it may progress to a structural deformity, resulting in dynamic pain and discomfort.

Growing Pains

Although leg aches are common during growth spurts, prolonged pain exceeding two months is considered abnormal. When addressed as muscle overuse syndromes, these pains can often be resolved. The belief that growing pains are a normal part of development is outdated and unsupported by current research.

Severs

Sever’s disease, common in children aged 7–12, causes heel pain during growth spurts. While it often affects active children, inactive children can also experience this condition. Fortunately, treatment for both groups is typically straightforward by addressing the underlying structural causes.

Vertical Talus

A vertically aligned talus, known as talipes calcaneovalgus, can sometimes result in excessively flat feet. Although this condition usually corrects itself, persistent cases can lead to long-term issues, including reduced foot strength. Early intervention helps children reach critical milestones like standing, walking, and running with confidence.

Foot And Leg Pain Centre

Sydney's Trusted Children's Podiatrist

A toddler’s growing legs and feet experience many changes. Routine monitoring and measurements are key to identifying concerns early and providing appropriate care. Early detection is essential for healthy legs in adulthood — take steps to safeguard your child’s future well-being. 

1-2 years

We carefully observe your baby’s journey to becoming a toddler, assessing their foot structure and development. By closely monitoring milestones such as crawling and standing, we can address any issues early.

2-3 years

We monitor your toddler’s walking patterns, posture, and balance closely, addressing concerns like flat feet that might affect their development. Our recommendations support their healthy and active growth as they discover the world.

4-6 years

During these active years, we evaluate your child’s feet for concerns like flat feet or gait issues, including in-toeing and toe walking. Our focus is on promoting healthy development so they can walk, run, and play with ease.

Paediatric Assessment

Support your child’s growing feet – book their podiatry appointment now. 

Foot And Leg Pain Centre

Helping your child thrive

Children’s growing bodies can sometimes develop leg aches, posture problems, or structural abnormalities. Identifying these issues early helps encourage proper skeletal growth and supports their active lifestyle. 

The Foot and Leg Pain Centre is dedicated to promoting early care for proper development. 

Your First Visit

During your child’s first visit, we’ll perform a comprehensive, enjoyable assessment to evaluate their foot health in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for you both.

Treatment

Tailored to your child’s unique requirements, our treatments focus on supporting healthy foot development and addressing any discomfort effectively.

Working Towards Your Outcomes

Our focus is on ensuring your child enjoys the best results, enabling them to move with improved foot health and confidence, all while remaining happy and active.

Why Choose Us

Podiatry Team

Dedicated Professionals You Can Trust

As a second-generation Certified Sports Podiatrist, Dr Angus Chard, PhD, is internationally recognised for his expertise and extensive clinical experience, heading a team of skilled professionals.

Paediatric Podiatry

Focused on Assistance

The team at Foot and Leg Pain Centre is committed to supporting people, including children of all ages, in achieving their goals and alleviating their pain.

Paediatric Podiatry care

Evidence-Based Care

We pride ourselves on our friendly attitude and skill in creating a comforting atmosphere for children, offering treatments informed by both evidence and experience. Our approach ensures you receive clear guidance and a stress-free setting.

Helping Little Feet And Legs

At Foot and Leg Pain Centre, we provide a variety of treatment options. The best approach for your child will depend on factors like the location, type, and cause of their pain. 

For some children, 3D printed custom orthotics are ideal, while others may require ongoing monitoring, footwear advice, exercises for foot strength, posture assessments and biomechanical checks, manual rehabilitation, or adjustments to their walking and running styles

Meet Our Founder

Dr. Angus Chard PhD

With more than 32 years of clinical expertise, Dr Angus Chard PhD, our Founder and Director, focuses on helping young patients achieve the right balance between evidence-based care and successful treatments. 

Happy kids start with healthy feet – arrange an appointment with Dr Angus Chard PhD or one of our experienced podiatrists near Glenhaven today. 

Meet The Team

Michelle Cuthbert

With over two decades of podiatric expertise, Michelle Cuthbert specialises in children’s foot health. A runner and mother of two young girls, she is passionate about the importance of early intervention and delivering tailored care to support children’s well-being.

Thomas Shannon

A skilled podiatrist and professional athlete, Thomas Shannon is dedicated to paediatric lower limb care. His background in musculoskeletal strength, conditioning, and elite sports enhances his ability to care for young patients. Thomas has represented Australia in hammer throw and Olympic weightlifting.

Foot And Leg Pain Centre

Book Now

Paediatric Assessment

Tiny feet deserve big care – schedule your little one’s podiatry appointment today. 

Foot And Leg Pain Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes, but having your child assessed early helps monitor their development and ensures they do. Ignoring potential issues can lead to unnecessary pain, and not all children simply grow out of these conditions. Podiatry can identify and address problems early, giving your child the best chance for pain-free growth. 

While occasional activity-related discomfort in children is expected, ongoing aches in the legs and feet are not typical. Persistent growing pains are treatable once the underlying muscle overuse is identified and managed. 

Flat feet in children have been linked to quick fatigue during activities and more pathological movements in the knees and ankles. While foot arches mature by age eight, 39% of adolescents with flat feet are at risk of knee pain, and 35% may develop hip or back issues. Walking patterns mature by age four, and failing to address abnormal foot positions can result in persistent issues like toe-walking or pigeon-toed walking into adulthood. 

An early assessment is the best approach for ensuring your child’s healthy development. At the first visit, we’ll take precise measurements and perform a detailed biomechanical and gait analysis. This helps track growth and catch issues early. Children, including infants, can develop foot and leg concerns, so prompt care from an experienced provider is essential. 

No, a referral is not needed to book a podiatry appointment regardless of age or purpose. You can schedule your appointment online or contact the practice directly, and we’ll take care of everything during your first assessment. 

Having your child’s feet checked, like their eyes or teeth, is essential. If they’re experiencing pain, we can provide support. Even if you’re unsure, an initial assessment can identify potential issues and recommend a solution. For emergencies, remember to call 000. 

Ensuring children’s shoes are comfortable, with enough length, width, and toe room, is vital. Evidence strongly supports barefoot activity for healthier foot development, as the ground’s sensory feedback engages muscles. Even minimalist supportive shoes, however flexible, may interfere with this natural process. 

Selecting the right shoes for your child depends on the intended purpose. Barefoot-like, flexible footwear may suit some situations, while more supportive styles with different levels of support may be required in others. Look for shoes with flat, flexible soles that bend near the toes and a front wider than the heel. Secure fasteners such as laces or straps help keep feet comfortable and prevent slipping. 

The Foot and Leg Pain Centre, led by Dr Angus Chard PhD, offers the experience and industry connections needed to simplify the often-confusing world of footwear choices. For specific guidance on your child’s foot health, schedule a consultation with our podiatrists today. 

Certainly, we do. That said, we also prioritise blending evidence with real-world experience, as evidence alone doesn’t always tell the full story. Below, you’ll find references supporting the information presented here. 

  • Alfaro-Santafé, J., et al. (2021). “Effectiveness of Custom-Made Foot Orthoses vs. Heel-Lifts in Children with Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever’s Disease): A CONSORT-Compliant Randomized Trial.” Children 8(11): 963. 
  • Bleck, E. E. (1983). “Metatarsus adductus: Classification and relationship to outcomes of treatment.” Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics 3(1): 2-9. 
  • Chard, A., et al. (2011). Effect Thong Style Flip-Flop Footwear On Children’s Hallux Sagittal Plane Motion During Gait. International Society of Biomechanics, Brussels, Belgium, publisher.  
  • Chard, A., et al. (2012). “Effect of thong style flip-flops on children’s midfoot motion during gait.” Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 5(Suppl 1): O19. 
  • Smith, R., et al. (2012). “Biomechanics of footwear design.” Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 5(Suppl 1): I1.  
  • Chard, A., et al. (2013). “Effect of thong style flip-flops on children’s barefoot walking and jogging kinematics.” Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 6(1): 8.  
  • Chard, A., et al. (2015). Effect of thong style flip flops on children’s sidestep kinematics International Society of Biomechanics in Sport, Poitiers, France, Sports Biomechanics.  
  • Chard, B.A., The effect of unsupportive and supportive footwear on children’s multi-segment foot dynamics during gait. 2017. USYD Thesis – DOWNLAOD HERE     http://hdl.handle.net/2123/18659 
  • Gijon-Nogueron, G., et al. (2016). “Establishing normative foot posture index values for the paediatric population: A cross-sectional study.” Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 9(1): 1.  
  • Kothari, A., et al., Are flexible flat feet associated with proximal joint problems in children? Gait and Posture, 2016. 45: p. 204-210. 
  • Lin, C.-J., et al., Correlating factors and clinical significance of flexible flatfoot in preschool children. Journal of pediatric orthopaedics, 2001. 21(3): p. 378-382. 
  • Mauch, M., et al. (2008). “Foot morphology of normal, underweight and overweight children.” International Journal of Obesity 32(7): 1068-1075.  
  • McKay, M. J., et al. (2015). “1000 Norms Project: protocol of a cross-sectional study cataloging human variation.” Physiotherapy.  
  • Mickle, K. J., et al. (2006). “The feet of overweight and obese young children: Are they flat or fat?” Obesity 14(11): 1949-1953.  
  • Mudge, A. J., et al. (2014). “Normative reference values for lower limb joint range, bone torsion, and alignment in children aged 4-16 years.” Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics Part B 23(1): 15-25. 
  • Redmond A, Crane Y, Menz H. Normative values for the Foot Posture Index. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. 2008;1(1):6. 
  • Sanders, R., Orr, R., Chiu, C., Chard, A., Tompsett, C., Fleeton, J., Davies, T., Fong Yan, A. (2018). Development of talent of adolescents in Australian sports high schools. In Pedro Morouço, Portugal: ESECS/Instituto Politcnico de Leiria.  
  • Staheli, L., et al. (1985). “Lower-extremity rotational problems in children. Normal values to guide management.” J Bone Joint Surg Am 67(1): 39-47. 
  • Sutherland, D. H. (2001). “The evolution of clinical gait analysis part l: kinesiological EMG.” Gait & Posture 14(1): 61-70. 
  • Sutherland, D. H. (2002). “The evolution of clinical gait analysis: Part II Kinematics.” Gait & Posture 16(2): 159-179. 
  • Sutherland, D. H. (2005). “The evolution of clinical gait analysis part III – kinetics and energy assessment.” Gait & Posture 21(4): 447-461. 
  • Wegener C, et al. (2011). “Effect of children’s shoes on gait: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 4(3). 
  • Wegener, C., et al. (2013). “Effect of sports shoes on children’s vertical jump performance and midfoot and ankle kinetics.” Footwear Science 5(SUPPL. 1): S58-S59.  
  • Wegener, C., et al. (2013). “Effect of sports shoes on midfoot power generation in children while walking and running.” Footwear Science 5(sup1): S55-S56. 
  • Wegener, C., et al. (2015). “In-shoe multi-segment foot kinematics of children during the propulsive phase of walking and running.” Human Movement Science 39: 200-211. 

We are a certified NDIS provider, offering services to all NDIS patients, including self-managed, agency-managed, and NDIS-managed individuals. We take a personalised approach to care and are sensitive to the extra time or accommodations some appointments may need, such as touch sensitivity or wheelchair support. Our team is ready to assist. 

We are trusted by thousands of happy patients and our results speak for themselves