Foot and Leg Pain Centre
Leading Children's Podiatrists Richmond
Nurturing little feet with every step
Paediatric Podiatrist
Does your child often feel pain 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 Richmond 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 Richmond
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.
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.
What We Can Do for You
Flat Feet
After 18 months, flat feet often appear in young children and typically resolve on their own. Yet, in some situations, they remain and may cause lifelong difficulties. Early assessment, similar to checking teeth or vision, is essential to address conditions that need attention. Regular follow-ups help ensure children grow out of any identified issues successfully.
Intoe Walking
Pigeon toes, medically known as intoe walking, are a common developmental phase in young children that generally resolves by age 4. If left unchecked beyond this age, it may lead to instability, pain, or changes in movement. Early care is key to supporting proper growth and preventing long-term issues.
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
Delayed walking in children beyond 18 months could be linked to foot or leg concerns. Monitoring their development begins with an initial podiatric assessment and ongoing measurements to ensure healthy progression.
Banana Foot
Banana foot (metatarsus adductus) causes a curved appearance in the feet, often due to foetal positioning and intrauterine pressure. While it may self-correct by age 4, interventions become less effective after age 2, making early detection crucial. If left untreated, it can develop into a structural issue, leading to various aches and discomfort.
Growing Pains
Generalised leg aches and pains are often deemed normal shortly after a growth spurt, but experts agree that pain lasting beyond two months is abnormal. These issues can be effectively treated when identified as gross muscle overuse syndromes. Growing pains don’t need to be part of your child’s life—modern research shows they’re not an inevitable part of growing.
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
Excessively flat feet can sometimes be caused by a vertically aligned talus, known as talipes calcaneovalgus. While many cases resolve naturally, some persist, resulting in flat feet that can affect children, teens, and adults. This may lead to weakened foot strength and compensatory issues. Early detection ensures children can reach key milestones such as standing, walking, and running.
Foot And Leg Pain Centre
Sydney's Trusted Children's Podiatrist
As toddlers develop, their legs and feet undergo major changes. Regular check-ups and measurements help catch potential issues early, ensuring timely care. Setting the foundation for healthy adult legs starts with early intervention — prioritise your child’s growth today.
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 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
Give those little feet the care they need – schedule your child’s podiatry visit today.
Foot And Leg Pain Centre
Helping your child thrive
As children grow, they may face leg discomfort, postural issues, or structural abnormalities. Addressing these early supports proper growth and helps them remain active alongside their friends.
At the Foot and Leg Pain Centre, we prioritise early intervention to encourage healthy growth.
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
Our treatments are personalised for your child, emphasising targeted approaches to promote proper foot development and ease any pain they may be experiencing.
Working Towards Your Outcomes
Our mission is to provide your child with the best care, fostering improved foot health and confidence so they can stay active, happy, and ready to explore.
Why Choose Us
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.
Focused on Assistance
At Foot and Leg Pain Centre, our entire team focuses on helping individuals, including children of all ages, to achieve their goals and find relief from pain.
Evidence-Based Care
With our positive approach and focus on making children feel at ease, we deliver treatments that balance evidence-based methods with clinical expertise. We present facts and options clearly, ensuring a supportive and relaxed experience.
Helping Little Feet And Legs
We offer numerous treatment solutions at Foot and Leg Pain Centre. Your child’s specific care plan will be determined by the location, nature, and underlying cause of their pain.
Some children might benefit from 3D printed custom orthotics, while others may require follow-ups, footwear guidance, foot strengthening exercises, posture and biomechanical assessments, manual rehabilitation, or adjustments to their walking and running techniques.
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.
Healthy feet mean happy kids – schedule an appointment with Dr Angus Chard PhD or one of our skilled podiatrists near Richmond 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
As a podiatrist and professional athlete, Thomas Shannon specialises in paediatric lower limb care. His expertise in musculoskeletal strength and conditioning, combined with his elite athletic background, allows him to deliver comprehensive treatment. Thomas has represented Australia in both hammer throw and Olympic weightlifting.
Foot And Leg Pain Centre
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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.
Some activity-related aches in children are normal, but persistent pain in the legs and feet isn’t. Growing pains that linger can often be resolved by pinpointing and treating the 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.
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.
All parents should consider a foot assessment for their child, similar to routine eye and dental exams. If your child is experiencing discomfort, we can assist. Not sure? A thorough initial check-up will identify any concerns and recommend solutions. In emergencies, always 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.
The best choice of shoes for your child depends on their specific needs and goals. Sometimes, barefoot-style, flexible footwear is ideal, while in other cases, supportive shoes with varying levels of structure are necessary. Shoes should have a flat, flexible sole that bends at the toes and a front wider than the heel. Secure fasteners like laces or straps are key to ensuring comfort without excessive movement or slipping.
Under the leadership of Dr Angus Chard PhD, the Foot and Leg Pain Centre team brings extensive experience and strong ties with shoe stores and manufacturers to guide you through the ever-changing world of footwear choices. Contact our podiatrists today for personalised advice for your child’s foot concerns.
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 an approved and audited NDIS provider, welcoming all NDIS patients, including those who are self-managed, agency-managed, or NDIS-managed. We prioritise providing a personalised experience and are mindful of the extra time some appointments may require. From accommodating heightened touch sensitivity to assisting with wheelchairs or other specific needs, we are experienced and ready to help.
We are trusted by thousands of happy patients and our results speak for themselves
Families in Dural, NSW, and nearby suburbs trust the Foot and Leg Pain Centre for paediatric podiatry. We serve patients from Westmead, Richmond, Arcadia, Bella Vista, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Galston, Glenhaven, Hornsby, Kellyville, Northmead, Norwest, Rouse Hill, Westleigh, Kenthurst, Parramatta, Seven Hills and more areas for paediatric podiatry. Secure your child’s appointment today!