When should your child See a podiatrist?
Paediatric podiatry focuses on the assessment and treatment of children’s foot conditions, development, posture and movement. Some foot types and walking patterns are a normal part of growing up and do not require treatment, while others may benefit from early assessment, advice and treatment.
Parents consult with Rachel for many reasons:
- You may be concerned about your child’s foot or lower limb development.
- Your child complains of pain in their lower limbs, their heel, foot, or knees.
- Changes in walking or running. Your child might be experiencing discomfort, a reluctance to walk, run or take part in sports.
- Your child may have an inherited, congenital or neurological condition that can be supported with the help of a podiatrist.
- Some overuse injuries are more common in children, especially when they can be taking part in intense sports activities and during periods of rapid growth.
- Your child may have been referred by your GP, consultant or other medical professional or you can self-refer because you have concerns and want your child to be seen by a highly experienced podiatrist.
Common children’s foot types and conditions treated
Rachel assesses and treats a wide range of children’s foot and lower limb conditions, including (click on any condition below to learn more):
Developmental foot posture and gait
- Curly toes
- Flat feet in children
- High arches in children
- Hypermobility in children
- In-toeing, out-toeing
- toe walking
Growth-related and activity-related conditions
Nail and skin conditions
Please note: Rachel does not treat verrucas.
Some of the above foot types and conditions are a normal part of childhood development and do not require treatment. However, if you are concerned about pain, walking patterns or changes in activity, a comprehensive biomechanical assessment for your child can give an early diagnosis along with a treatment plan.
Causes of children’s foot and lower limb problems
Children’s foot and gait issues may arise from a variety of factors, including:
- Neurological or muscular conditions
- Inherited foot types or family history
- Congenital conditions present from birth
- Sports-related or accidental injuries
- Idiopathic causes, where no clear cause is identified
Podiatry and chiropody care for children
In addition to biomechanical and developmental assessments, Rachel provides routine podiatry and chiropody care for children, including:
- Treatment of ingrown toenails
- Nail surgery where clinically indicated
- Management of calluses and corns
- Fungal infections and athlete’s foot
For more information, see:
- Chiropody and podiatry see the Podiatry page
- Ingrown nails see the Ingrown toenails page
- Nail surgery see the Nail surgery page
Biomechanical assessment and gait analysis for children
A biomechanical assessment and gait analysis investigates the way your child moves and the structure of their feet and lower limbs.
Rachel examines how your child’s feet, lower limbs and spine link together as a interconnected system, known as the kinetic chain. By identifying imbalances within this chain, Rachel can help diagnose and treat painful conditions of the heel, feet, ankle, knee, back and neck.
For a more comprehensive explanation of biomechanics, gait analysis and orthotic insoles see the Biomechanics page or the Orthotic insoles page.
What happens in a biomechanical assessment consultation for children
A biomechanical assessment for children lasts 45 – 60 minutes and a full medical history of your child will be taken. The consultation is thorough but gentle and non-invasive.
Parents are advised to:
- Dress their child in loose, comfortable clothing
- Bring any previous orthotic insoles
- Bring well-worn shoes, as old shoes are useful to see how your child wears their shoes and how their shoes have worn
- Bring toys, books or snacks if helpful for younger children
Treatment can include
Following assessment, treatment may include:
- Self-help advice
- Footwear guidance
- Stretching or strengthening exercises
- Postural advice
- Medication, where appropriate
- Prescription of a bespoke orthotic insole
Orthotic Insoles for Children
If your child is prescribed a bespoke orthotic insole, a cast is taken of your child’s foot during the consultation. The taking of this cast is a painless procedure. From this cast, a custom-made insole is made which exactly fits the individual characteristics of your child’s foot. An orthosis can help support, cushion and stabilise the foot, which may help alleviate some painful conditions. See the Orthotic insoles page for more information about bespoke orthotic insoles.
A Gentle Approach to Specialist Children’s Foot Care
Rachel is highly experienced in pediatric podiatry and is calm, patient and gentle with children of all ages. She has extensive experience in conducting biomechanical assessments and has treated many children with both straightforward and complex foot and lower limb conditions.
Should you want to discuss any of your children’s needs before their appointment, do call the clinic on 020 8348 5553 and leave a message for Rachel who will call you back within the next 24 hours.
Appointments and clinic details
Rachel practices paediatric podiatry in her clinic, Highgate Podiatry, in Highgate village, 14 Pond Square London N6 6BA, North London.
Clinics are held every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Rachel is registered with most major healthcare insurance providers. For detailed information about fees and health insurance claims, see the Fees page.
For directions and maps, see the Contact page. For information about chiropody see the Podiatry page and for information about biomechanical assessments and orthotic insoles see the Biomechanics page.
Contact the Clinic for an appointment
Rachel Miller sees many children for a wide variety of conditions at her clinic Highgate Podiatry in Highgate Village, Highgate village at 14 Pond Square, N6 6BA, North London. Clinics are held every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Please contact the clinic for an appointment on 020 8348 5553. For Highgate Podiatry’s address, map and directions see the Contact page.
No. You may be referred to Rachel Miller by your consultant, GP, or another medical professional but you can self-refer, book online or call Highgate Podiatry’s reception, who can help you find a convenient appointment.
