What to Expect

A podiatric foot and gait screening for a child is usually gentle, informal, and reassuring, with a strong focus on growth and development rather than “finding problems.” Most children tolerate it very well. Here’s what you and your child can expect:

1. Parent & Child History

The podiatrist will first talk with you (and your child, if age-appropriate) about:

  • Your child’s age and growth stage

  • Any concerns you’ve noticed (tripping, toe-walking, in-toeing/out-toeing, flat feet)

  • Pain, fatigue, or avoidance of activity

  • Sports or activities your child does

  • Family history of foot or leg issues

This conversation often guides how detailed the screening is.

2. Visual Foot Assessment (Standing & Sitting)

Your child will usually be barefoot. The podiatrist will look at:

  • Foot posture (flat feet are common and often normal in young children)

  • Heel and ankle alignment

  • Toe position and flexibility

  • Differences between left and right feet

This part is observational and not painful.

3. Movement & Range of Motion Checks

These are quick and playful:

  • Gently moving the feet and ankles

  • Checking calf tightness and joint flexibility

  • Asking your child to stand on tiptoes, heels, or one foot

  • Simple balance tests

The podiatrist is checking how joints and muscles work together as your child grows.

4. Gait Analysis (How Your Child Walks or Runs)

Your child may be asked to:

  • Walk and run across the room

  • Walk on a treadmill or pressure mat

  • Walk barefoot and in shoes

The podiatrist observes:

  • Foot placement and step pattern

  • In-toeing or out-toeing

  • Toe-walking or heel-walking

  • Knee and hip movement coordination

Some clinics use video or pressure technology, but many rely on observation.

5. Footwear Check

They may look at:

  • Shoe size and fit (many kids wear shoes that are too small)

  • Wear patterns on soles

  • Whether shoes are appropriate for your child’s activities

This often leads to simple, practical advice.

6. Explanation & Reassurance

This is a key part of a pediatric screening. You’ll usually get:

  • Reassurance if findings are within normal developmental limits

  • Guidance on what tends to resolve naturally with growth

  • Advice on when (or if) intervention is needed

  • Exercises, activity modifications, or monitoring tips

Orthotics are not automatically recommended and are often avoided unless symptoms are present.

What a Pediatric Screening Usually Does Not Involve

  • No needles or imaging

  • No painful manipulation

  • No pressure to start treatment unless there’s a clear reason

What to Bring / Wear

  • Shorts or leggings for easy movement

  • Your child’s everyday shoes (and sports shoes if relevant)

  • Any previous reports or concerns

When a Screening Is Especially Helpful

  • Frequent tripping or falling

  • Foot, heel, knee, or leg pain

  • Toe-walking after age ~3

  • Noticeable asymmetry

  • Sports-related pain or fatigue