Paediatric Podiatrist in Perth, WA

Supporting healthy feet for growing kids. From early intervention to kids' sports injuries, we provide honest, transparent advice in a safe and friendly environment.

What does a paediatric podiatrist do?

Paediatric podiatrists (children's podiatrists) have a clinical focus on assessing, diagnosing and managing foot, ankle and lower limb conditions in infants, children and adolescents. Diagnosing and treating children requires a level of nuance and expertise to ensure proper care:

  • Identifying conditions requiring podiatric intervention versus other developmental concerns.
  • Applying age-appropriate management.
  • Often, utilising the "less is more" approach to watch and monitor where possible.

Paediatric specialists have a deeper understanding of how children's feet and lower limbs grow and develop, which often varies significantly to adults. This ensures children have the help they need through key growth stages, and minor issues are caught before they can progress into more significant ones.

When should you take your child to a podiatrist?

You know your child best. If you think something is amiss, it's worth trusting your instincts. If you're not sure whether they need podiatric care, watch for signs such as:

  • Frequent tripping or clumsiness
  • If your child complains of foot, heel, or leg pain
  • Getting tired feet and legs during activity
  • Uneven shoe wear
  • Walking differently from peers
  • Avoiding physical activity

Often, people (professionals and parents) will assume children grow out of these issues - but that isn't always the case. Ignoring signs now can lead to issues later. If you have any concerns, being proactive and seeking advice from a podiatrist is worth it for peace of mind.

What to expect at your child’s first appointment

We take a child-friendly, measured approach, working with children of all backgrounds and will provide advice and/or collaborate with other professionals where needed. At your first appointment, you can expect:

  • Discussion of history and concerns
  • Movement and gait assessment
  • Footwear review
  • Clear explanation of findings
  • Personalised plan (if needed), often including simple, manageable steps

We focus on evidence-based treatments, thorough explanation and reassurance through education, footwear advice, exercise programs and when needed, orthotic therapy. Where possible we try not to intervene, rather provide an emphasis on healthy growth, function and long-term musculoskeletal outcomes.

What can podiatry help with?

Common conditions children’s podiatrists assess and treat include:

  • Flat feet
  • In-toeing or out-toeing
  • Toe walking
  • Heel pain (e.g. Sever’s disease)
  • Growing pains
  • Sports-related injuries
  • Osgood-Schlatter (knee pain)

We keep you informed and involved in every part of your child's treatment plan.

How to choose your child’s podiatrist

Being a parent is the most important job in our opinion. Entrusting someone with the care of your child can feel daunting, and finding professionals you can trust is important.

Look for clinics that:

  • Have proven experience in paediatric care.
  • Take a whole-body, functional approach.
  • Prioritise education and collaboration with parents.
  • Don't try and upsell you on day one.
  • Are considerate of practical factors like appointment time (length, flexibility) and thoroughness, clear communication, and ongoing support if needed.

What good paediatric podiatry looks like

1. A child-focused approach

Your child is the reason you're here, so their wellbeing needs to be front and centre. Your podiatrist must be able to communicate clearly with both you and your child with clear, age appropriate language; creating a safe, fun and friendly environment to work towards pain free movement.

2. Thorough assessment

You want someone who looks beyond the feet, assessing whole-body movement and posture - how your child stands, but also how they walk, run, and otherwise move around in their daily life. For example, we take the time to understand symptoms and history - not just what's in front of us on the day.

3. Evidence-based, conservative treatment

We avoid over-treatment and unnecessary interventions, taking a 'less is more' approach to well-being. We adjust the plan as needed to give your child the best possible treatment, prioritising:

  • Footwear advice
  • Strength and movement exercises
  • Activity modification where needed
  • Using orthotics only when clinically appropriate

4. Clear, Practical Advice

Your practitioner needs to be able to explain what's normal vs what needs intervention, what reasonable expectations are, and should provide simple at-home strategies and exercises to support your child's growth and development.

5. A focus on long-term outcomes

A good children's podiatrist:

  • Aims to support healthy development, not just short-term fixes
  • Monitors progress over time and adjusts where needed

We offer a holistic, patient focused approach that puts your child's movement and lower limb health at the forefront. We take it seriously, and are here to help.

5 warning signs to watch out for

1. "One-size-fits-all" treatment - kids are unique, and their treatment plan should be too.

2. Over-reliance on orthotics - while these can be helpful in some cases, they're not a cure-all.

3. Minimal assessment - not looking at the full picture.

4. Dismissing concerns too quickly - especially the "they'll grow out of it" approach.

5. Lack of parent education (or lack of available information) - you should be aware of what's happening, and why it will help, at all times.

Why choose us?

  • We take a holistic approach, with a focus on whole-body alignment and overall wellbeing (setting your child up for the future with proactive podiatry care now)
  • Our experienced, expert team that takes the time to properly assess, diagnose and treat an issue.
  • As parents, we know parents know their kids best. If you notice something you’re concerned about, bring them to us – we can help.

What are you waiting for? Book in with out friendly, expert team today.

FAQs about podiatry for children

What age should a child see a podiatrist?

We can assess from an early age for any major concerns; however, we find it much easier to assess kids once walking. Remembering our feet stop growing around 14 years of age, so the earlier you get onto it, the more time you have to correct any complaints.

What is a paediatric podiatrist?

A podiatrist that has a special focus on the foot, ankle and lower limbs of growing children. Knowledge and experience in dealing with common, and more rare conditions and what to look for to give your child the best chance for success.

Is podiatry covered by Medicare in Australia?

Generally your children's podiatry will fall under your private health fund, not Medicare. What is covered will depend on your provider and plan.

Is toe walking normal for children?

It can be, up to a point - sometimes it's developmental and can become a habit, and other times certain health conditions can lead to toe walking. An assessment is always a good idea for peace of mind.