Foot and Leg Pain Centre
Leading Children's Podiatrists Rouse Hill
Helping little feet thrive with care
Paediatric Podiatrist
Is your child frequently complaining about sore 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.
As a Licensed Service Dog, Michael Chard offers unmatched emotional support through his affectionate cuddles and soothing presence. His calm demeanour helps ease children’s anxiety and provides comfort to those seeking solace.
Ways We Can Help
Flat Feet
Flat feet in young children, often identified after 18 months, are a common occurrence and tend to resolve naturally over time. However, in some instances, they persist and can lead to lifelong challenges. Early evaluation is crucial, similar to regular eye or dental check-ups, to catch conditions that may require intervention. Once assessed, children can be tracked to ensure they develop normally.
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
Persisting toe walking after age 4, while common in toddlers, can suggest muscle tightness or neurological challenges. Over time, this can lead to joint pain and discomfort in the knees or lower back. An early evaluation helps prevent complications, ensuring your child’s healthy development and comfort.
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, 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
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
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 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
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
During this time, we assess your toddler’s early walking, posture, and balance, identifying issues such as excessively flat feet. With expert advice, we help foster healthy movement as your child explores and grows.
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
Little feet need expert care – book your child’s podiatry appointment now.
Foot And Leg Pain Centre
Helping your child thrive
Leg aches, foot posture challenges, and structural concerns can occur as children grow. Early detection ensures healthy skeletal development and helps them stay on par with their peers.
Supporting healthy growth through early care is our priority at the Foot and Leg Pain Centre.
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
We aim to support your child in achieving optimal outcomes, helping them walk, run, and play with healthier feet and greater confidence while staying active and joyful.
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.
Committed to Caring
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
Our team at Foot and Leg Pain Centre offers a comprehensive range of treatments, customised to address your child’s pain depending on its location, nature, 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, Certified Sports Podiatrist and Founder of our centre, brings over 32 years of experience, dedicated to providing young patients with a blend of evidence-driven and effective care.
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
Michelle Cuthbert brings 20+ years of podiatry experience and a strong focus on children’s foot care. As a runner, she appreciates the need for early intervention and, as a mother of two, is deeply committed to helping children flourish through personalised treatment.
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 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.
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.
Children with flat feet are known to tire easily during physical activities and may develop irregular knee and ankle motions. Arches typically mature by age eight, but 39% of adolescents with flat feet risk knee pain, and 35% may face hip or back problems. By age four, walking patterns mature, and neglecting foot abnormalities can cause conditions like toe-walking or pigeon-toeing to persist 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.
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.
Properly fitted children’s shoes should always offer comfort, with adequate length, width, and room for toes. Evidence highlights that barefoot walking fosters healthier and stronger feet. The natural contact with the ground activates muscles essential for development, but even the most minimalist shoes can interrupt this process.
The appropriate footwear for your child varies based on their goals. In some cases, minimalist, flexible shoes are ideal, while others require supportive footwear with tailored levels of structure. Opt for shoes with flat, flexible soles that bend at the toe and a wider front than heel. Laces or straps are essential to keep the shoes snug and prevent unnecessary movement.
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.
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.
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
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!