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Is this normal?
Reassurance for you, and help for your child to keep up at sport and play
Children's podiatrist in Burwood
We see children of all ages, from toddlers to teens (paediatric or pediatric podiatry), for walking, toe walking, foot shape and sport or play pain. Flexible flat feet, in-toeing and growing pains are often normal, so sometimes the answer is simply reassurance. Bring their everyday and sport shoes and any insoles.
How we can help at Burwood Podiatry
Both of our podiatrists see children, from toddlers to teens. Often the answer is reassurance, so you can stop wondering and they can keep playing. When care is needed, we keep it simple and practical.
- Assessment and reassurance about walking, foot shape and what's typical for their age
- Heel, knee and leg pain from sport and growth, including Sever's disease: home plans, heel cups and a return-to-sport plan
- Ingrown toenails and plantar warts: ingrown toenails · plantar warts
- Strength, stretching and balance plans made for kids: strength and rehab
- Shoe advice, insoles and orthotics when the assessment shows they'd help
What you can do at home
- Shoes with a firm heel, a fastening and room to grow; check the fit every few months
- Plenty of active play, including barefoot play on safe surfaces
- For pain after sport, ice for up to 20 minutes and ease off the activity that hurts
- Take a short video of how they walk if you're unsure whether something is changing
When to get it checked
Read our guides: Sever's disease · toe walking · in-toeing · flat feet in children · when should a child see a podiatrist?
- Pain that limits play or sport, or keeps coming back
- A limp, or one foot or leg that looks or works differently
- Toe walking most of the time after about age 2 to 3
- A stiff or painful flat foot
- Frequent tripping beyond the toddler years
What happens at your child's first visit
We talk with you and your child about what you've noticed and what they enjoy doing. We watch them stand, walk, run and hop, check their feet, legs and shoes, and explain what's typical for their age. Most visits end with reassurance or a simple home plan; we'll tell you if anything needs follow-up or a GP's input. Please bring their everyday and sport shoes and any insoles.
A child who can't bear weight, has severe pain, or a limp with fever needs same-day care. Emergency, or a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale or blue? Call 000.
Children's feet questions
When should my child see a podiatrist?
If pain limits play or sport, there's a limp, one side only, a stiff or painful flat foot, or toe walking most of the time after about age 2 to 3.
Is in-toeing normal in kids?
Often. In-toeing usually improves on its own by about 8 to 10 years old. It's worth a check if it's getting worse, affects one side only, causes pain or frequent falls. In-toeing
Why does my child's heel hurt after sport?
In active children, often around 9 to 13, heel pain after sport is commonly Sever's disease: irritation of the heel's growth plate. It usually settles as growth finishes. Book an assessment so we can check the cause. Heel pain at rest or at night, swelling, or pain in one heel with a limp should be checked by us or your GP promptly. Sever's disease
Do kids need orthotics for flat feet?
Not usually. Flexible, painless flat feet are common in children and often need no treatment. A stiff or painful flat foot needs checking for an underlying cause; insoles are one option for pain or trouble keeping up. Flat feet in children
Who sees children at Burwood Podiatry?
Both of our podiatrists see children of all ages, including toddlers. Jasem speaks Arabic; Jonathan, whose areas of interest include children's feet, speaks Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese.
Can I use a GP care plan for my child?
If your child has a chronic condition and their GP refers them to a podiatrist under a care plan, Medicare pays $63.40 back per eligible visit, up to 5 allied-health visits a calendar year, shared across providers. Fees
Do you treat ingrown toenails and warts in children?
Yes. Ingrown toenails and plantar warts are common in children and teens. Ingrown toenails · Plantar warts
Where to next
Sources
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, “Sever's disease factsheet”
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, “Intoeing (pigeon toes) factsheet”
- The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, “Idiopathic toe walking” fact sheet
- healthdirect Australia, “Flat feet (fallen arches)”
Reviewed by Burwood Podiatry · November 2026