Children

Your children can benefit from podiatry treatment

Our podiatrist at Stirling Health Professionals is experienced at treating and caring for children who have heel pain or if they walk on their toes – two common conditions in children.

Heel pain treatment for children

Heel pain in girls aged 9 to 11 and boys aged 10 to 12 is very common and can be caused by a condition called Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease is a self limiting condition caused when the growth plate in the heel is irritated by traction of the calf muscle and Achilles tendon. While the problem will resolve of without intervention, when the growth centres fuse it can be very painful and will limit exercise and sporting pursuits.

Each child is different, however there are often subtle biomechanical problems that exacerbate the traction and pain. When these are addressed, we often see significant pain reduction and a return to sport within a few weeks. This condition improves rapidly with orthoses. Where possible we use generic devices.

Our treatment includes assessing your child through a full biomechanical exam and computerised gait analysis. 

Treating toe walking

It is normal for toddlers to walk on their toes as their gait develops, but when this continues in children older than two years it is cause for concern. Toe walking can be the first sign of a neurological or developmental condition and therefore needs to be investigated.

In the case where all medical reasons for toe walking has been excluded, treatments include stretching exercises, ankle foot orthoses, night splints and serial casting. Our podiatrists at Stirling Health Professionals assess your child and implement an appropriate treatment strategy or refer to a medical specialist if necessary.