Children's Feet & Legs

As parents we worry about our children. We worry our children may be off balance, we worry that they are too floppy and perhaps their hips, legs and feet don’t quite seem to look like ours. The good news is that children’s lower limbs are different to adults, as they are still developing. However, sometimes children need a little help to ensure they are on the best path to develop properly.

The purpose of paediatric assessment is to reassure and monitor, usually at 3-6 month intervals. In the event of recognising early developmental delay, almost all cases are conservatively managed, with few needing specialist referral. Things commonly seen include;

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Infants

Metatarsus Adductus 'C Shaped Foot'

Mild cases require monitoring only
Moderate cases require regular, gentle stretching
Severe cases require serial casting

Talipes Deformity & Clubfoot

Mild cases require regular stretching
Moderate cases require splinting and casting
Severe cases require specialist referral

Kids & Teens

Children's feet on the floor standing on tiptoe

Toe Walking

Normal between years 2-5
Often habitual in later years
Can represent tight muscles, pelvic issues or leg length discrepancy
Treated with simple stretches and, in some cases, splints

Contrast of barefoot children's legs and shoes

Flat Feet

Normal between years 2-5
Can be flexible or rigid
May become painful & alter gait
Require only monitoring if not causing pain, otherwise treated with simple insoles or shoes

Heel Pain

Common until age 12

Usually caused by inflammation of growth plate (Sever’s Disease)
Can indicate trauma such as fracture
Treated with simple stretches, heel lifts, and strapping

Knee Pain

Common after running
May indicate inflammation of growth plate (Osgood-Schlatter), soft tissue injury or fracture
Often the result of weak hip and/or leg muscles
Treatment is case dependant and may include: strapping, footwear, orthotics, manual therapy, prescribed strengthening & referral

Knocked Knees

Usually resolved by age 7
Often a sign of muscle tightness or ligament laxity
Can indicate tibial deformity, leg length issues, & scoliosis
Treatment may include: footwear, manual therapy & orthotics

Hip & Groin Pain

Common causes include hip dysplasia, Perthes disease, SCFE’s, & labral tears
Treatment should always include multidisciplinary referral, imaging and may include specialist referral