Foot and Leg Pain Centre
Leading Children's Podiatrists Rouse Hill
Supporting tiny feet on their journey
Paediatric Podiatrist
Does your child often feel pain in their feet or legs?
Dr Angus Chard PhD, the owner and leading Certified Sports Podiatrist at the Foot and Leg Pain Centre near Rouse Hill, has a special interest in children’s podiatry. With a Doctorate in Lower-Limb and Foot Musculoskeletal Medicine, focusing on Paediatric and Sports Injuries, Dr Chard’s extensive knowledge sets him apart in the conservative management of children’s foot and lower limb conditions. Dr Chard personally oversees all treatments provided by the clinic’s podiatrists, who also share a special interest and focus on children’s podiatry. Dr Chard’s qualifications, experience, and dedication to children’s foot health ensure an exceptional level of care in the field.
Paediatric Podiatrist Rouse Hill
A medical setting can feel daunting for children, which is why we aim to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that each child feels at ease and receives exceptional care during their visit.
Michael Chard, a Licensed Service Dog, is known for his ability to provide emotional support through his calming presence and cuddles. His gentle nature helps children feel at ease and offers comfort to anyone in need.
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
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
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
If a child is not walking by 18 months, it may indicate potential foot or leg issues. A podiatric assessment followed by regular measurements provides a foundation for monitoring healthy developmental progress.

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
A common condition in children aged 7–12, Sever’s disease leads to heel pain during growth spurts. This issue frequently arises in active children but can also affect those who are less active. Treating the structural factors causing the pain can provide relief for all 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
Sydney's Premier Children's Foot Specialist
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 children grow more active, we assess their feet for conditions like excessive flatness or walking irregularities, such as in-toeing, toe walking, or clumsiness. This helps ensure proper development so they can move confidently.
Paediatric Assessment
Little feet need expert care – book your child’s podiatry appointment now.
Foot And Leg Pain Centre
Guiding your child’s journey to growth
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
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
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

Your Trusted Team for Support
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.

Driven to Support
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.
Support your child’s foot health for a happier future – book an appointment with Dr Angus Chard PhD or one of our trusted podiatrists near Rouse Hill 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
Thomas Shannon is an experienced podiatrist and accomplished athlete with a focus on paediatric lower limb care. With a background in musculoskeletal strength, conditioning, and elite sports, Thomas offers exceptional care for young patients. He 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
While this is true for some children, early assessment is essential to confirm their development stays on track. Overlooking concerns can lead to avoidable pain and missed treatment opportunities. Podiatry care helps address these issues so your child can grow without discomfort.
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-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.
Starting assessments early is always best. During the initial visit, your child’s feet and legs will be carefully measured and evaluated with a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis. Accurate measurements allow us to monitor their growth over time. Foot and leg issues can occur at any age, so early attention from a knowledgeable professional is vital.
There’s no need for a referral to book a podiatry visit. Whether online or by contacting the practice, we’ll handle everything during your first consultation.
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.
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.
Yes, absolutely. However, we also understand the importance of balancing evidence with practical experience. Relying solely on evidence without context can lead to oversights. Below are references for the information shared 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





