Foot and Leg Pain Centre
Leading Children's Podiatrists Richmond
Helping little feet thrive with care
Paediatric Podiatrist
Are sore feet or legs a recurring issue for your child?
As the owner and Certified Sports Podiatrist at the Foot and Leg Pain Centre near Richmond, 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 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.
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.
Our Approach to Helping You

Flat Feet
Flat feet are frequently seen in young children after 18 months and generally resolve on their own. In certain cases, though, they may persist and cause long-term issues. Conducting an early assessment is vital, much like routine eye or dental checks, to detect and manage conditions early. Post-assessment, children can be monitored to ensure they grow out of any potential problems.

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
Although toe walking is normal in toddlers, persistent cases beyond age 4 can indicate conditions such as tight muscles or neurological problems. If untreated, it may cause knee, back, or joint pain. Early assessment can help identify the cause, prevent future issues, and promote healthy movement.

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 (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
While leg aches and pains are common after growth spurts, persistent pain beyond two months is widely recognised as abnormal. These symptoms can often be resolved when treated as muscle overuse syndromes. The outdated notion that growing pains are a natural part of development lacks evidence and should no longer be accepted.

Severs
Sever’s disease, which typically occurs in children between 7 and 12 years old, is a growth-related condition causing heel pain. While it’s often linked to activity levels, inactive children can also experience this discomfort. Effective treatment focuses on correcting the structural predispositions causing the pain.

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
Expert Care for Kids' Feet in Sydney
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
This is a critical stage where we track your baby’s transition to toddlerhood, evaluating their foot structure and progress. By monitoring milestones like crawling and walking, we ensure they grow healthily and address any concerns 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
At this stage, we check for foot conditions like excessive flatness or gait irregularities, including in-toeing and toe walking. By supporting proper foot development, we help children move and play with assurance.
Paediatric Assessment
Big care for tiny feet – make your little one’s podiatry appointment today.
Foot And Leg Pain Centre
Helping your child thrive
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.
At the Foot and Leg Pain Centre, we prioritise early intervention to encourage healthy growth.
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
We provide individualised care for your child, concentrating on specialised strategies to ensure healthy foot growth and relieve any pain or discomfort.
Working Towards Your Outcomes
Helping your child reach their full potential is our priority, ensuring they walk, run, and play with enhanced foot health and confidence in an active, cheerful way.
Why Choose Us

Dedicated Professionals You Can Trust
Renowned worldwide, Dr Angus Chard, PhD, is a second-generation Certified Sports Podiatrist with a wealth of clinical experience, guiding a team of expert professionals.

Focused on Assistance
The Foot and Leg Pain Centre team works tirelessly to assist people of all ages, including children, in reaching their goals and managing their pain effectively.

Evidence-Based Care
Our warm demeanour and ability to put children at ease are paired with treatments grounded in both scientific research and practical experience. We provide clear facts and options, fostering a patient-centred, relaxed environment.
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.
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
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.
Give your child the gift of happy, healthy feet – book a consultation with Dr Angus Chard PhD or a qualified podiatrist near Richmond now.

Meet The Team

Michelle Cuthbert
As a podiatrist with more than 20 years of experience, Michelle Cuthbert has a keen interest in children’s foot health. Her background as a runner and mother of two inspires her dedication to early intervention and providing customised care to support young patients.

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
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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 some instances, yes, but it’s crucial to have your child assessed to ensure they do. Ignoring problems can lead to unnecessary pain and missed treatment windows. Podiatry intervention helps identify and correct potential issues, supporting pain-free growth for your child.
Although occasional aches from activity are reasonable for children, persistent achy legs and feet are not. Persistent growing pains are easily treated by addressing the muscle overuse that causes them.
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.
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.
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.
Comfortable footwear for children must have the right length, width, and sufficient toe space. Studies confirm that barefoot movement supports stronger, healthier feet. Direct sensory input from the ground helps activate muscle function for development, but even flexible minimalist shoes can hinder this natural feedback.
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.
Yes, we take an evidence-based approach. However, we also value the balance between evidence and hands-on experience, as relying solely on research can be limiting. References for the information on this page are listed below.
- 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





