Children

The child's foot is not just a small-scale model of an adult foot. Its shape is not finally determined until growth ceases at the end of the second decade of life. Podiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat children's foot problems by careful examination of the foot, and lower limb, where required. Advice for the prevention or reduction of foot deformity that often develops later in adult life may involve the provision of appropriate information on footwear, treatment by splinting, advice on exercises and/or orthotic control of the feet. Podiatrists also treat common, chronic and acute problems of children's feet such as osteochondroses, fasciitis and pes planus.