At Berkshire Podiatry, we recognise how important it is to care for your child's feet during their growing years. The child's foot undergoes many changes due to growth and the progressive ossification of the bones, which makes it a crucial stage that requires early intervention and proper control to ensure the most appropriate development of the foot.
We provide advice on proper footwear, exercise, and preventative measures to ensure healthy foot development and growth.
Common foot problems in children
- Heel pain (Sever's disease)
- Flat feet
- In-toeing (pigeon toeing)
- Toe walking
- Growing pains
What to expect at your appointment
- 1
Children's appointments are unhurried and relaxed. We talk to you and your child about what you have noticed — tripping, pain after sport, complaints at bedtime, or a change in how they walk.
- 2
We check foot posture, joint flexibility, muscle strength and leg alignment, then watch your child walk and, where appropriate, run and hop, to see how their feet behave in real movement.
- 3
Because children's feet change as they grow, we make clear which findings are a normal stage of development and which need action.
- 4
You leave with practical guidance on footwear, activity and any simple exercises, and we arrange a review if the foot needs monitoring as your child grows.
- 5
Appointments are held at our Tilehurst clinic inside The Atrium Health Club, Scours Lane, Reading RG30 6AY, with easy access from Caversham, Purley and central Reading.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should a child see a podiatrist?
There is no minimum age. If your child complains of foot or leg pain, avoids activity, walks unusually, or you have any concern about their foot development, an assessment is worthwhile.
Are flat feet in children a problem?
Often not. A flexible flat foot is a normal stage of development for many children and settles with growth. We assess whether the foot is flexible, pain-free and functioning well before recommending anything.
Are growing pains normal?
Aching legs at night are common, but pain that limits activity, wakes a child regularly or affects one leg only should be assessed rather than dismissed.
Can a parent stay in the room?
Yes — a parent or guardian must stay with the child throughout the appointment.