Foot and Leg Pain Centre
Leading Children's Podiatrists Westmead
Helping little feet thrive with care
Paediatric Podiatrist
Are sore feet or legs a recurring issue for your child?
Dr Angus Chard PhD, the owner and leading Certified Sports Podiatrist at the Foot and Leg Pain Centre near Westmead, 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 Westmead
Recognising that medical visits can be overwhelming for children, we prioritise making the environment as comfortable and inviting as possible. Our goal is to replace fear with reassurance and deliver the highest level of care to each little patient.
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.
How We Support You
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
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
Known as banana foot, metatarsus adductus results in a curved-in foot shape, usually due to pressure from the foetal position. While it often resolves on its own by age 4, addressing it early, ideally before age 2, is vital. Neglecting the condition can lead to structural abnormalities and chronic aches.
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
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
A vertically aligned talus, known as talipes calcaneovalgus, can sometimes result in excessively flat feet. Although this condition usually corrects itself, persistent cases can lead to long-term issues, including reduced foot strength. Early intervention helps children reach critical milestones like standing, walking, and running with confidence.
Foot And Leg Pain Centre
Sydney's Trusted Children's Podiatrist
The growth of a toddler’s legs and feet brings many changes. Consistent measurements are vital to catching potential issues early for timely intervention. Supporting healthy adult legs starts now — act early to promote your child’s well-being.
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
At this stage, we focus on your toddler’s walking, posture, and balance, identifying any potential issues like overly flat feet. We provide tailored advice to promote healthy growth and confident exploration.
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
Support your child’s growing feet – book their podiatry appointment now.
Foot And Leg Pain Centre
Nurturing your child’s development
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.
Supporting healthy growth through early care is our priority at the Foot and Leg Pain Centre.
Your First Visit
At the first appointment, we’ll carry out a thorough and enjoyable assessment of your child’s foot health, creating a stress-free and caring environment for both you and your child.
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
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
A Team You Can Rely On
Dr Angus Chard, PhD, is an acclaimed Certified Sports Podiatrist with a global reputation, bringing years of clinical knowledge to his leadership of a collaborative team.
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.
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
At Foot and Leg Pain Centre, we provide a variety of treatment options. The best approach for your child will depend on factors like the location, type, and 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
Our Founder and Director, Dr Angus Chard PhD, a Certified Sports Podiatrist with over 32 years of clinical experience, is passionate about helping young patients balance evidence-based care with effective 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 Westmead 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
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
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 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.
Early assessment is crucial for your child’s foot and leg health. During the first visit, we’ll conduct a thorough biomechanical assessment, gait analysis, and precise measurements. This provides a baseline for future monitoring, ensuring proper development. Even infants can experience foot and leg issues, so addressing concerns early with a skilled professional is essential.
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.
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.
Choosing shoes for your child should align with their needs and activities. Barefoot-like, flexible footwear is often suitable, but sometimes supportive styles are better. The ideal shoe has a flat, flexible sole that bends at the toes, a wide toe box, and secure fasteners like straps or laces to ensure proper fit and comfort.
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, 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 audited NDIS provider, we proudly accept all NDIS patients, whether they are NDIS-managed, agency-managed, or self-managed. We emphasise individualised care and understand that certain appointments may require additional time and attention. Whether it’s touch sensitivity, wheelchair assistance, or other unique needs, we are well-equipped to provide support.
We are trusted by thousands of happy patients and our results speak for themselves
