What is Paediatric Podiatry?
Paediatric Podiatry or Podopaediatrics is a specialist area within musculoskeletal Podiatry which includes the diagnosis, treatment and where possible the resolution/prevention of foot and lower limb problems in children aged 0-18 years of age.
What causes foot/lower limb problems in children?
It is important to recognise that children are not 'small adults'. During growth, the bones of the legs and feet undergo various twisting movements to reach the position seen in adulthood. When these changes occur incorrectly or out of sequence problems/symptoms may arise. Many of the conditions seen in childhood simply do not exist in adulthood. Podopaediatrics is therefore a highly specialised area of podiatry and many podiatrists familiar with assessing and treating adults will have little or no experience in assessing and treating children.
Initially children are assessed by obtaining birth, developmental, family and medical histories. Details of regular activities/sports are taken into account along with the assessment of current footwear and shoe wear patterns. Children are then observed standing and walking and may be asked to perform a series of specific movements/tasks.
Diagnosis is made following the biomechanical assessment and the relevant examination of the foot and leg structures including the bones, joints and soft tissues in the lower limb, whilst taking into account the child's age and stage of development.
How do you treat problems seen in childhood?
Treatment depends on numerous factors including the development stage of the foot/lower limb, the age of the patient, activity levels/sport, footwear etc. Treatments may include:
future footwear advice- exercise regimes
- soft silicone splints
- insoles/orthoses
- advice and reassurance
- if required referral on to another health professional i.e. a paediatric physiotherapist, orthopaedic consultant, rheumatologist or paediatrican
Can a problem be cured?
A problem can only be cured if the cause is reversible i.e. tight musculature (often seen in active growing children), inappropriate footwear etc. Orthoses (insoles) cannot permanently change the inherited bony structure of the foot/lower limb. However many unusual walking patterns seen in childhood i.e. pigeon-toe walking, toe-walking, flexible flat feet etc will improve or resolve with future development. Orthoses (insoles) used in conjunction with a full treatment plan can resolve symptoms and reduce the risk of future pain/injury.
