Book Now Call Today

Foot and Leg Pain Centre

Leading Children's Podiatrists Northmead

Supporting tiny feet on their journey

Paediatric Podiatrist

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

Dr Angus Chard PhD, renowned for his expertise in children’s podiatry, leads the Foot and Leg Pain Centre near Northmead as its owner and Certified Sports Podiatrist. With a Doctorate in Lower-Limb and Foot Musculoskeletal Medicine, focused on Paediatric and Sports Injuries, Dr Chard has extensive experience in managing children’s foot and leg conditions. He works closely with the clinic’s podiatrists, who also specialise in paediatric podiatry, ensuring consistent and exceptional care for young patients. 

Paediatric Podiatrist Northmead

We understand that medical settings can sometimes feel intimidating or overwhelming for children. That’s why we focus on creating a warm and welcoming environment, ensuring it feels safe and supportive rather than frightening. Our aim is to provide exceptional care and a positive experience for every child. 

With his affectionate personality, Michael Chard, a Licensed Service Dog, brings comfort and emotional support to children. His calm and loving demeanour is perfect for easing anxiety and providing much-needed reassurance. 

Service dog in Paediatric Podiatry near Northmead

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, commonly referred to as pigeon toes, is normal in young children and usually resolves by age 4. When it doesn’t, it can contribute to instability, pain, or difficulties with movement. Early assessment and intervention can support healthy growth and minimise discomfort.

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

Not walking by 18 months can signal possible foot or leg conditions in children. A thorough podiatric evaluation, combined with regular follow-ups, ensures their healthy growth and progress is closely monitored.

Banana Foot

Banana foot, or metatarsus adductus, gives the feet a curved-in appearance, often due to intrauterine pressure and foetal positioning. While it may improve naturally by age 4, early intervention is key as treatments are less effective after age 2. Ignored cases can lead to structural deformities and ongoing pain.

Growing Pains

Leg pain following a growth spurt may be expected for a few weeks, but pain lasting more than two months is not normal. Experts identify these cases as muscle overuse syndromes that can be managed effectively. Children shouldn’t have to endure pain during growth, as the concept of growing pains is unsupported by evidence.

Severs

Heel pain caused by Sever’s disease often affects children aged 7–12 during growth spurts. Although commonly seen in active children, inactive children are not immune to this condition. Treatment usually involves addressing the structural imbalances behind the pain, offering relief for both active and inactive children.

Vertical Talus

Talipes calcaneovalgus, or a vertically aligned talus, can cause excessively flat feet. While the condition often resolves naturally, it may persist, leading to flat feet in later life with associated strength and movement issues. Early assessment is crucial to support children in achieving important physical milestones such as walking and climbing stairs.

Foot And Leg Pain Centre

Expert Care for Kids' Feet in Sydney

During a toddler’s growth, their legs and feet undergo significant transformations. Regular monitoring helps detect problems early, enabling prompt care. Healthy adult legs begin with proactive measures in childhood — ensure your child’s development is on the right track. 

1-2 years

At this stage, we focus on tracking your baby’s development into a toddler, paying special attention to their foot structure and milestones like crawling, standing, and walking. Early intervention helps ensure healthy growth.

2-3 years

We evaluate your toddler’s walking patterns, posture, and balance, checking for concerns such as excessively flat feet that could impact their development. Our guidance ensures they grow with healthy movement as they begin to explore.

4-6 years

As activity levels increase, we monitor for common foot concerns, such as flat feet, in-toeing, or toe walking, and address any clumsiness. This ensures your child’s feet develop correctly, allowing them to stay active with confidence.

Paediatric Assessment

Big care for tiny feet – make your little one’s podiatry appointment today. 

Foot And Leg Pain Centre

Encouraging healthy growth for your child

Growing bodies may experience achy legs, postural concerns, or structural issues in the feet and legs. Detecting these early promotes healthy development and ensures kids can stay active with their peers. 

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

Your First Visit

Your child’s initial visit includes a detailed and fun assessment, focused on diagnosing their foot health while ensuring a supportive and comfortable environment for everyone.

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

A Team You Can Rely On

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

Driven to Support

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

The Foot and Leg Pain Centre provides a broad selection of treatments, tailored to your child’s needs based on the pain’s location, type, and cause. 

While some children may need 3D printed custom orthotics, others could benefit from follow-up care, footwear suggestions, foot strengthening activities, posture and biomechanical assessments, manual rehabilitation, or walking and running technique improvements

Meet Our Founder

Dr. Angus Chard PhD

Dr Angus Chard PhD, our Founder and Director, is a Certified Sports Podiatrist with 32+ years of experience, committed to guiding young patients towards treatments that combine proven evidence and practical effectiveness. 

Healthy feet mean happy kids – schedule an appointment with Dr Angus Chard PhD or one of our skilled podiatrists near Northmead today. 

Meet The Team

Michelle Cuthbert

Michelle Cuthbert, a podiatrist with more than 20 years of experience, has a passion for children's foot health. As an avid runner, she understands the value of early intervention and is committed to helping children thrive through personalised care. As a mother of two, her dedication to young patients shines.

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

In certain cases, yes, but an initial assessment ensures their progress is monitored effectively. Ignoring issues could result in prolonged discomfort and missed treatment opportunities, as not all conditions resolve on their own. Podiatry can provide the support needed to prevent pain and promote healthy development. 

It’s common for children to experience occasional activity-related aches similar to adults, but persistent tired, achy legs and feet are not normal. Persistent growing pains can be effectively managed by identifying and addressing the root cause of muscle overuse. 

Flat-footed children often experience quicker fatigue during activities and more pathological movements in their knees and ankles. Arch maturity occurs by age eight, but 39% of adolescents with flat feet may suffer knee pain, and 35% could develop hip or lower back pain. Since adult-like walking develops by age four, addressing abnormal foot positions early is crucial to prevent issues like toe-walking or pigeon-toeing in later life. 

The sooner your child is assessed, the better. At their first appointment, we’ll measure and evaluate their feet and legs with a detailed biomechanical analysis and gait assessment. This initial check allows for ongoing monitoring to ensure healthy growth. Structural abnormalities and foot pain can affect children of all ages, so early intervention by a trusted professional is key. 

No referral is required to book a podiatry appointment for any age or reason. Simply book online or call the practice, and we’ll collect all necessary details at your initial visit. 

We recommend parents have their child’s feet checked at least once, just like regular eye or dental check-ups. If your child has foot or leg pain, we’re here to help. Unsure? An initial assessment will pinpoint the issue and guide the next steps. For emergencies, always dial 000. 

Children’s shoes should provide ample comfort, with proper length, width, and plenty of room for toes. Research shows that barefoot walking is best for developing feet, as it promotes healthier, stronger growth. The sensory connection with the ground stimulates muscle activity, aiding proper development, whereas even minimalist shoes can disrupt this feedback. 

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. 

Led by Dr Angus Chard PhD, the team at the Foot and Leg Pain Centre has the expertise, credentials, and connections with shoe stores and manufacturers to help you navigate the complexities of footwear options. For tailored advice regarding your child’s foot needs, reach out to our podiatrists today. 

Of course, we do. But we also believe in combining evidence with clinical experience for the best outcomes. Blindly following evidence alone doesn’t always address individual needs. Here are the references for the details provided on this page. 

  • 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. 

As an approved and audited NDIS provider, we welcome all patients, whether self-managed, agency-managed, or NDIS-managed. We value personalised care and recognise that some appointments may require additional time or specific accommodations. From touch sensitivity to mobility support, we are here to provide compassionate and experienced assistance. 

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