Primary School paediatric foot and gait screening

Seeing a podiatrist at an early age is important because children’s feet are still developing, and small problems can become bigger issues if they are not identified early. Here are the key reasons why early podiatry care matters:

1. Early detection of developmental issues
   Children’s bones, muscles, and ligaments are growing rapidly. A podiatrist can identify conditions such as flat feet, in-toeing, out-toeing, or abnormal gait patterns early, when they are easier to manage or correct.
   
   

2. Prevention of long-term problems
   Foot and lower-limb issues in childhood can affect posture, walking, and even the knees, hips, and back later in life. Early assessment and treatment by podiatrists can prevent chronic pain and long-term musculoskeletal problems.
   
   

3. Support for normal walking and motor development
   Learning to walk and run is a major developmental milestone. A podiatrist ensures a child’s feet are functioning properly, supporting balance, coordination, and confidence in movement.
   
   

4. Identification of footwear issues
   Ill-fitting or inappropriate shoes can interfere with healthy foot development. A podiatrist can provide guidance on proper footwear to support growing feet and avoid problems like blisters, calluses, or deformities.
   
   

5. Management of common childhood foot conditions
   Conditions such as heel pain (Sever’s disease), ingrown toenails, warts, or fungal infections are common in children and respond best to early treatment.
   
   

6. Early intervention is often simpler and less invasive
   When problems are caught early, treatment may involve simple exercises, activity modification, or orthotics rather than more complex interventions later in life.
   
   

7. Reassurance for parents
   Early podiatry visits can reassure parents about what is normal versus what needs attention, reducing anxiety and ensuring children are developing as expected.
   
   

In summary, early podiatric care helps ensure healthy foot development, supports overall physical growth, and reduces the risk of long-term foot and posture problems, giving children a strong foundation for an active and healthy life.

Why a pediatric foot and gait screening is important for your child.

A pediatric foot and gait screening is crucial for early detection of issues like flat feet, in-toeing, or awkward walking, preventing long-term problems with posture, joints (knees, hips, back), and coordination by allowing for timely intervention, such as orthotics or physical therapy, ensuring healthy musculoskeletal development and active, pain-free childhood. 

Why it's Important:

• Early Detection & Prevention: Catching subtle problems (like tight calves or leg length differences) early prevents them from becoming chronic issues or causing compensatory problems in other body parts later on.

• Guides Proper Development: A healthy gait indicates good muscle control, balance, and joint function, vital for overall physical well-being.

• Addresses Root Causes: Screenings identify why a child might be limping or tripping (e.g., tight hamstrings, muscle imbalances), allowing for targeted treatment rather than just symptom management.

• Improves Mobility & Activity: Correcting foot and gait issues helps children stay active, participate in sports, and enjoy daily activities without pain or limitations.

• Impacts Whole Body: Foot problems can affect posture and lead to pain in the knees, hips, and lower back, highlighting the feet's role in overall musculoskeletal health. 

What's Assessed:

• Foot arch development, toe alignment, and range of motion.

• Walking patterns (stride, foot placement, symmetry).

• Posture, and if the child favors one foot or walks awkwardly. 

When to Seek One:

• If a child complains of foot, leg, or back pain.

• If you notice persistent tripping, falling, or an unusual way of walking (limping, in-toeing).

• As part of regular check-ups to ensure normal development.