Pain in growing, active children is common, especially during growth spurts or busy sports seasons. Many of these conditions respond well to gentle management, load adjustment and strengthening.

We can help with:

• Heel, foot, or ankle pain

• Pain linked with sport, growth or activity changes

• Pain following injury or fracture

• Ongoing or recurrent foot and ankle pain

• Persistent or complex foot pain

Foot posture varies widely as children grow. Flat feet are common in early childhood, and many children develop an arch over time. Others may have higher arches, asymmetry, or posture patterns that place extra stress on the feet and legs. While many of these variations are normal, some children experience pain, fatigue, tripping, or difficulty keeping up with activities and benefit from assessment.

We can help with:

• Flat feet / pronation

• High arches (pes cavus)

• Lower limb or postural alignment concerns

• Foot posture associated with pain, fatigue, or reduced activity tolerance

• Asymmetry between feet and/or legs

• Uneven wear on shoes or noticeable asymmetry between feet

• Recurrent ankle sprains or instability

Parents often notice changes in the way their child walks or runs before anyone else. Some patterns can be part of typical development, while others may benefit require monitoring or support.

We can help with:

• Toe walking

• In-toeing or out-toeing

• Frequent tripping or clumsiness

• Concerns about balance or coordination

• Fatigue with walking, running, or sport

• Difficulty keeping up with peers

• Changes in gait or movement following growth spurts

• Concerns about running style or movement during sport or dance

Some children are naturally more flexible. For many, this is simply a normal variation. For others, increased joint flexibility can contribute to fatigue, discomfort, or instability, particularly during periods of growth or increased activity.

We can help with:

• Unstable or “wobbly” ankles and feet

• Pain or fatigue linked with flexibility

• Frequent falls or poor balance

• Difficulty keeping up with peers

• Recurrent ankle sprains or minor injuries

• Symptoms that worsen during growth spurts or with sport and activity

Children and teens involved in sport can experience load-related pain and injuries as their bodies grow and adapt to training. Because bones, muscles, and tendons develop at different rates, symptoms can appear during periods of growth or increased activity. Early assessment can support recovery, guide safe participation, and help reduce the risk of recurrence.

We can help with:

• Overuse injuries

• Growth-related pain, including heel or lower limb pain during sport

• Recurrent ankle sprains or instability

• Pain that limits participation in sport or physical activity

• Footwear or support considerations for sport

• Return-to-sport planning following injury or pain

Skin and nail issues can be painful and may interfere with walking, sport or dance.

We can help with:

• Ingrown toenails

• Plantar warts

• Pressure areas, callouses or corns

• Blister or skin irritation

• Nail trauma or thickened nails

Variations in toe alignment are common in childhood and are often influenced by family history, foot structure, hypermobility and growth patterns.

We can help with:

• Juvenile/adolescent hallux valgus (bunions)

• Curly toes, overlapping toes or clawed toes

• Toe pain during sport or dance

• Footwear guidance for comfort

Dance places unique demands on growing bodies. Foot and ankle pain in young dancers often relates to technique, strength, load, or periods of rapid growth, and usually responds well to targeted, supportive care when addressed early.

We can help with:

• Foot or ankle pain related to dance technique

• Discomfort during pointe or pre-pointe training

• Overuse injuries in young dancers

• Ankle instability or recurrent sprains

• Load-related pain during busy periods such as exams, competitions, or intensives

• Skin and nail concerns associated with dance footwear

• Pre-Pointe Assessments

Some children experience differences in sensation, coordination or how they process information. Appointments can be adapted to support sensory needs, communication style and comfort.

We can help with:

• Foot and lower-limb concerns

• Motor coordination differences affecting walking, running, or activity

• Footwear recommendations for sensory sensitivities

• Sensory-aware and flexible assessment approaches

• Ongoing podiatry care for children accessing NDIS supports (where appropriate within their plan)

Note: Pointe & Play Podiatry currently sees Self-Funded and Plan-Managed NDIS participants only.