
Warts
Tinea
Tinea – also known as Athletes Foot, is a fungal skin infection that effects the feet. It can appear between the toes where there is too much moisture with redness itchiness and fissuring. It also occurs anywhere on the feet and often on the plantar surfaces and symptoms include dryness and peeling skin, redness and itchiness, small blisters with fluid may appear also. There are many treatments available for tinea and your podiatrist can discuss what will work best for you and advise on preventative tips such as choice of socks and footwear. Tinea effects feet of all ages and can be common in teenagers with sweaty feet combined with at times poor hygiene. Our clinic also offers chemical free treatments options for children.
Ingrown Toenails
Dermatitis/Excema
Sweaty Feet
Blisters
Blisters are a small sac of fluid that form under the skin over areas of friction. They can be superficial or form in deeper layers of skin below areas of callus. Sweaty skin is more prone to blisters and treating that can help. Blisters are common with children due to sweaty feet and often due to wearing in new shoes. We recommend keeping a blister intact to avoid breaking the skin and risking infection however your podiatrist may need to drain a blister to relieve pain in some cases. Your podiatrist will discuss preventative measures and also look at your foot mechanics to give advice regarding pressure or fiction areas on your feet.
Curly Toes
Some children are born with curly toes – commonly one or both of the 4th toes. This can be genetic, or due to a longer toe that curls under the toe next to it which is usually more noticeable when a child starts to walk. In most cases curly toes from birth are not a problem but may require some monitoring with your podiatrist as your child begins walking and wearing shoes. If this condition appears to worsen with walking and the toes appear to be gripping this may be contributed to by foot alignment and mechanics and may require further treatment. Sometimes simple strapping techniques can help improve toe alignment in young children.
Ankles, Legs, Knees & Hips
Pain in any area of a child’s body – foot, ankle, legs, knees or hips isn’t normal and should be assessed. Foot alignment and mechanics have an influence on how well the rest of the leg and the main joints, the ankles, knees and hips are aligned and function. The feet really are the foundation of the body and need to be well aligned and functioning in a stable way. One sided pain may indicate a leg length discrepancy or relate back to a previous injury. Children have active lives and are often playing all sorts of different sports or involved in dance or gymnastics. Sometimes poor footwear is a contributing factor also. Podiatrists at Podiatry4kid & Adults are experienced in assessing children’s feet and their whole body posture and importantly providing advice and treatment options that look at all of these factors.
Juvenile Diabetes
Juvenile HAV (Bunions)
Bunions are the actual boney lump that gradually form over the inside of the big toe joint – Hallux Abducto-Valgus or HAV is the term that describes how the big toe changes direction and rotates due to pressure and mechanical forces at the joint during gait. Certain foot types can be more prone to HAV and bunion formation and are often hereditary. Poor foot mechanics play a big part where excessive pressure results at the big to during gait. Certain activities such as soccer and football and ballet are also contributing factors. Children can develop Juvenile Bunions from the age of 10-15 in these cases there is a strong genetic component. At Podiatry4kids and Adults we are experienced in assessing foot types prone to bunions and can advise on orthotic therapy to slow down this process especially when we are assessing and working with children.
Metatarsus Adductus
Metatarsus Adductus is a condition where the foot turns in from the middle of the foot to the toes – the big toes commonly adduct and create a gap between the 1st and 2nd toes. It is common in children under 2 years of age and one of the causes of an intoeing gait. For children under 2 this condition can be helped with strapping and padding in shoes, and for older children orthoses may be indicated.
Genu Valgum or Knock Knees
Genu Valgum commonly known as knocked knees, is a condition in which the knees roll in and touch each other when the legs are straightened and when standing. In some cases children are unable to stand with their feet together due to the angle of the knees. This condition is most common in 2-5 year olds. Pronated or rolled in feet are usually an underlying contributing factor that influence the angle the knees can operate on. Children in general often have quite flexible joints – and those with genu valgum can be quite hyper-mobile in their joints which encourages feet and knees to roll in. Orthotic therapy is usually indicated to help align the feet and knees along with advice on supportive footwear.
In-toeing or Pidgeon Toes
Children with this complaint walk with their feet/toes turning in – they are usually not in any pain unless they also have very pronated feet which may cause leg tiredness or knee pain – but may be at higher risk of tripping and as a result injuring themselves. In-toeing can be a complex issue and can be caused by 3 main factors – Metatarsus Adductus (turned in foot/big toe), Tibial Torsion (shinbone/leg turns inwards) or Femoral Anteversion (Thigh bone turns in). There is often a genetic component and the hip position can also influence the position of the leg and foot. Hip, leg and foot positions can be influenced in the womb usually if there is not enough room or the feet or legs are squashed into certain positions. In-toeing is usually first noticed when children begin walking and is most common in children under 8 years, but can also spontaneously appear at any age during childhood. It can effect one or both feet/legs/hips. Treating in-toeing usually involves advice re footwear, gait exercises and in some cases orthoses. At Podiatry4kids & Adults we work closely with other practitioners often Osteopaths and sometimes Kinesiology to assess and treat the hip and leg position and re-balance muscles and gait patterns. In-toeing can be complex to manage and often involves other issues such as pronated or flat feet and your Podiatrist will explain and discuss your child’s conditions and treatment options in detail.
Toe Walking
Toe Walking is the tendancy to walk on the toes without placing the heel to the ground and is commonly seen in toddlers. There are a range of factors that cause toe walking including short achilles tendons, muscle spasticity, habitual patterns (no known cause) and is often associated with conditions such as cerebral palsy and autism. Long term toe walking can result in calf muscle shortening, have an effect on the posture – toe walkers often lean forward creating tight muscles in the pelvis and hips, and there can be issue getting used to wearing shoes. Adaptions to shoes and orthotic therapy may be indicated and working closely with an Osteopath to release and stretch tight muscles in the leg and pelvis is often important. Depending on the age of the child night splints are another treatment option that may help.
Hypermobility
Hypermobility is a common condition for children where joints move through their range of motion more easily and beyond the normal range. There is a genetic factor with hypermobility and other causes may include abnormally shaped joints, abnormal joint proprioception and in some cases children may develop Hypermobility Syndrome or other collegen or connective tissues disorders such as Elhers-Danlos Syndrome. Children may experience joint or muscle pain, higher risk of frequent sprains and injuries, ligament laxity and spine scoliosis. Orthoses and supportive footwear are usually recommended by your podiatrist other treatment may include strengthening exercise and activities and strapping.
Flat feet or Pronated Feet or Rolled in Feet
Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD)
A Leg Length Dispcrepancy means you have one leg longer or shorter than the other and is quite common in both adults and children. LLD can be structural or functional – see below for both types.
Signs to look for for both types of LLD – one foot rolling in or one foot rolling out more than the other, uneven wear patterns on shoes and one sided pain in the foot, ankle knee or hip. A full assessment with your podiatrist will determine the type and likely cause allowing them to discuss your best treatment options.
Functional LLD
In most cases LLD is functional and as a result of a tight joint or muscles on one side of the body – often the hip or a pelvic imbalance. Many things can cause this to happen such as activities at work that require standing and twisting in one direction, or sports such as soccer and football where one side of the body is used differently to the other. Functional LLD often results in the feet compensating for the imbalance and one foot functions differently to the other which over time can cause pain in one foot. A functional LLD can usually be resolved by working on the tight joint or muscles and re-balancing the area with stretches. Unstable foot mechanics can also contribute to pelvic imbalances so several components need to be assessed and treated.
At Podiatry4Kids&Adults we work closely with our Osteopaths to align the whole body and resolve a functional LLD before working with orthotic therapy, and in our experience working on the whole body’s alignment from the feet up gets the best long term results
Structural LLD
Structural LLD is less common and results from an actual difference in the bony length of one leg to the other. This can develop from differing growth rates as a child, sometimes due to disease or treatments such as chemotheray that interfere with bone growth plates, injuries and surgery to a bone or joint can result in a change in the length. Sometimes other factors including scoliosis of the spine or damage to spinal discs that alter the alignment of the pelvis result in an imbalance that creates one shorter leg on standing. A structural LLD often does require a heel lift to even up the body and reduce the compensatory changes in the feet and body that often can cause pain.
'Growing Pains'
‘Growing Pains’ are commonly described in children as painful muscles in the legs usually over night but also used to describe all sorts of pains in the limbs. Although there is no known cause other than a possible link with growth spurts – our experience as Podiatrists and in working with children for many years suggests that there is quite often an underlying mechanical issue with the feet and legs which results in tired aching legs at the end of a child’s day full of activities, which may be exacerbated during times of growth. Some children seem to be more sensitive to pain also. We have found that orthotic therapy combined with Osteopathic treatment where indicated works in most cases to ease tired aching legs and night pain that wakes children up. A full bio-mechanical and gait assessment is important for us to give advice on the best treatment plan.
Tired Aching legs and Clumsiness
Severs Disease
Severs Disease is one of most common causes of heel pain in children, often occurring during adolescence when children hit a growth spurt. During growth spurts the bones sometimes grow a little quicker than the tendons which creates strain on tendons and pain where they attach to the bone. Also known as an osteochondrosis or apophysitis, Sever’s disease is an inflammatory condition of the growth plate in the heel bone (calcaneus). Children usually complain of pain in the achilles tendon also. It is a common condition amongst children who play a lot of sport. Treatment includes rest from sport, strapping, calf stretches, heel pads/lifts, orthotic therapy and foot wear advice.
Osgood-Schlatters Disease
Autism
Autism is generally characterised by difficulty communicating and developing relationships with other people through language and abstract concepts and will typically present in early childhood. It has also been found that children with Autism may have difficulty in performing and developing gross motor skills, coordination and balance which are all factors that contribute to gait patterns. Other factors effecting the gait are delayed or atypical motor developments, low muscle tone (hypotonia), poor balance, coordination, joint proprioception and an awkward gait pattern. Orthotic therapy and footwear advice may help. It is common for children with autism to toe walk and have sensitive sensory which may effect the wearing of socks and walking bare foot on certain surfaces.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy occurs due to an impaired muscle coordination known as spastic paralysis and other disabilities, which have been caused by damage to the brain before or at birth. Spasticity occurs as a result of increased muscle tone, which results in muscle stiffness. This muscle tightness makes movements difficult and can effect posture and balance. Toe walking is a common issue also. Podiatry can help with pressure areas orthoses and footwear.

General Toenail Care
Ingrown Toenails
Fungal Toenails
Thickened Toenails
Callus
Callus is an area of hyperkeratosis or hardened skin that forms on the feet most commonly over weight baring areas and specifically pressure areas. A callus build up at the heels is common also and often result in cracks or fissures. Callus can cause pain or a burning sensation if left untreated. Your podiatrist can remove callus in a pain free way and give advice on how to manage and prevent them. They are usually caused by pressure as a result of poor foot mechanics and can be contributed to by skin dryness and ill fitting footwear. In some cases orthoses help to reduce pressure areas and reduce callus formation.
Corns (Hard & Soft)
Hard Corns are a localised formations of hyperkeratosis or hardened skin that often form in the shape of a cone. They vary in size and depth and usually cause pain. they tend to form over pressure areas as a result of poor foot mechanics in particular on the tops or tips of toes and over joints under the foot and contributed to by skin dryness and ill fitting footwear.
Soft Corns are like a rubbery clump of soft skin that forms between the toes due to rubbing and the skin stays soft due to maceration or dampness between the toes. They are usually painful.
Both types of corns are easily removed and treated by your podiatrist and we give advice on how manage them in a preventative way which involves addressing the pressure to the area. we advise against home remedy treatments such as corn pads. corns can be deep and are easily infected and require treatment by your podiatrist.
Warts
Tinea
Dry Skin and Cracked Heels
Dry skin is very common on the feet and occurs for a number of reasons including a lack of perspiration (also known as anhydrosis) exposure to warmer weather with open footwear, as a result of conditions such as tinea, psoriosis and diabetes. Some medications and hormonal changes in the body can contribute to dry skin and in some cases it’s simply due to age. Dry skin contributes to a build up of callus in some areas of the feet and can result in cracks or fissures of the skin which is common at the heels. Cracks in the skin are often painful and can be deep at the heels increasing the chances of infection. Your podiatrist can treat callus and cracks and give advice on the best moisturizer creams for your individual feet and related conditions.
Sweaty Feet
Blisters
Chilblains
Psoriasis
Dermatitis & Excema
Cellulitis
Skin Cancers
High Arched Feet, Supinated Feet, Rolled out Feet
Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD)
A Leg Length Dispcrepancy means you have one leg longer or shorter than the other and is quite common in both adults and children. LLD can be structural or functional – see below for both types.
Signs to look for for both types of LLD – one foot rolling in or one foot rolling out more than the other, uneven wear patterns on shoes and one sided pain in the foot, ankle knee or hip. A full assessment with your podiatrist will determine the type and likely cause allowing them to discuss your best treatment options.
Functional LLD
In most cases LLD is functional and as a result of a tight joint or muscles on one side of the body – often the hip or a pelvic imbalance. Many things can cause this to happen such as activities at work that require standing and twisting in one direction, or sports such as soccer and football where one side of the body is used differently to the other. Functional LLD often results in the feet compensating for the imbalance and one foot functions differently to the other which over time can cause pain in one foot. A functional LLD can usually be resolved by working on the tight joint or muscles and re-balancing the area with stretches. Unstable foot mechanics can also contribute to pelvic imbalances so several components need to be assessed and treated.
At Podiatry4Kids&Adults we work closely with our Osteopaths to align the whole body and resolve a functional LLD before working with orthotic therapy, and in our experience working on the whole body’s alignment from the feet up gets the best long term results
Structural LLD
Structural LLD is less common and results from an actual difference in the bony length of one leg to the other. This can develop from differing growth rates as a child, sometimes due to disease or treatments such as chemotheray that interfere with bone growth plates, injuries and surgery to a bone or joint can result in a change in the length. Sometimes other factors including scoliosis of the spine or damage to spinal discs that alter the alignment of the pelvis result in an imbalance that creates one shorter leg on standing. A structural LLD often does require a heel lift to even up the body and reduce the compensatory changes in the feet and body that often can cause pain.
Tendinitis
Stress Fractures
Plantar Fasciitis
Sesamoiditis
Heel Pain/Spurs
Neuromas
Bursitis
Shin Splints/Compartment Syndrome
Shin Splints or Compartment Syndrome occurs when muscles of the shin swell up but are restricted by the sheathe around them made of fascia which results in pressure that causes pain. Fascia doesn’t stretch much so pressure builds up and can cause damage to nerves and muscles due to reduced circulation and a lack of oxygen to the area. This condition can be caused by a fracture or a deep bruise or trauma. Chronic shin splints usually result from over use often by sports people and require rest. Often there can be an underlying mechanical issue that causes the over use of the muscles and can be helped with orthotic therapy.
Tired Legs or Feet & Muscle Cramps
BUNIONS (HAV)
Bunions are the actual boney lump that gradually form over the inside of the big toe joint – Hallux Abducto-Valgus or HAV is the technical term that describes how the big toe changes direction and rotates due to pressure and mechanical forces at the joint during gait. Certain foot types can be more prone to HAV and bunion formation and are often hereditary. Poor foot mechanics play a big part where excessive pressure results at the big to during gait. Footwear – in particular narrow toed and high heeled shoes and some activities such as sport an ballet are also contributing factors. Some bunions are pain free others are painful due to several factors – corns on the bunion, rubbing on shoes, bursitis formation at the joint, limited movement of the joint and are at greater risk of arthritis. Your podiatrist can help treat symptoms and advise you on footwear, and assess your foot mechanics and recommend orthotic options to reduce the pressure at the big toe joint and slow the process down. Most bunions start forming during adulthood – Children can develop Juvenile Bunions from the age of 10-15 in these cases there is a strong genetic component. At Podiatry4kids and Adults we are experienced in assessing foot types prone to bunions and can advise on orthotic therapy to slow down this process especially when we are assessing and working with children. In some cases we will discuss surgical options and refer to a podiatry surgeon for a surgical opinion
Ulcers & Wounds
HAMMER TOES
Hammer toes can occur at the 2nd 3rd or 4th toes where the toe is bent at the middle joint so they resemble a hammer and can be flexible or become rigid. Hammer toes are caused by ill-fitting shoes over time or muscle imbalances due to poor foot mechanics where the tendons under the toes tighten. These toe often develop corns or callus on top of the joints. Some rigid hammer toes require surgery, most can be helped with regular removal of corns, padding and a change in footwear as advised by your Podiatrist.
CLAW TOES
Flat Feet, Pronated Feet, Rolled in feet
SPORTS INJURIES OF THE FOOT AND ANKLE
There are many bones and joints in the foot and therefore many ligaments tendons and muscles within the foot and also many tendons from muscles in the leg which finish up and attach to bones in the foot
Some sports require very different use of muscles on one side of the body to the other such as with soccer or tennis where there is a dominant arm or kicking leg. Over time this contributes to the over use or stress of certain joints and muscles more than others and can result in a leg length discrepancy which can lead to strain on one foot more than the other. Below are some common injuries…
- Ankle sprain, strains and fractures
- Foot injuries such as fracture of the 5th metataral, sesamoiditis, tendonitis, tendinitis, strain or rupture of the achillies tendon , muscle strains, broken bones, damage to or loss of toenails
- Injuries of the lower limb that may be related to poor foot mechanics – shin splints, muscle strain or cramping, hip or groin strain, knee injuries
FOOT PAIN, ANKLE PAIN, FOOT RELATED KNEE, LEG AND HIP PAIN
Pain in general in the foot, lower limb and body isn’t normal and should be assessed and investigated. There are a wide range of specific conditions, injuries, systemic diseases and postural issues in the body that can have an impact on and result in foot pain. Inappropriate footwear can contribute to in particular foot pain but also impact on ankle and leg pain as well. Foot mechanics and alignment play a very important role in the alignment and function of the entire body and can contribute to pain in other areas of the body commonly the knees hips and even the lower back. At Podiatry4Kids&Adults we assess the feet and the whole body in relation to your pain and use our knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat accordingly.
Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2 & Gestational)
Diabetes Mellitis is a group of metabolic disorders where there is a high blood sugar level in the body. Type 1 involves the pancreas not producing enough insulin and usually occurs in younger people including children (juvenile diabetes) . Type 2 involves the body resisting insulin and is more likely to occur in middle to older adults as a result of poor diet and excess weight and lack of exercise. Gestational Diabetes is a third type that can occur in pregnant woman with no prior history and often resolves post-natally. Diabetes is a complex disorder and complications can effect the circulatory and neurological systems which can have a big impact on the feet. A gradual loss of sensation and or circulation in the feet can cause problems with wound healing, injury to the skin due to lack of feeling, balance and motion, and the general health of the skin and nails. Foot health and regular monitoring is essential for diabetics including a diabetic foot assessment conducted annually and more frequently in high risk cases. Your podiatrist understands the effects of diabetes and can provide treatment and preventative advice for the feet. Diabetics are eligible for Medicare EPC rebates for Podiatry – please see your GP for a referral and care plan.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints in the body and commonly found in the joints of the feet. There are many types of arthritis the main two being Osteo Arthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which both effect joints in the feet. OA is due to wear and tear on a particular joint and common in middle age but can effect young people too especially sports people. Joint cartilage gets worn down gradually between the joint and becomes painful. RA is a chronic auto-immune condition that effects several joints in the body including the hands which can make it difficult for people to cut their own toenails. Other contributing factors include, poor foot mechanics resulting in poor joint alignment of the foot ankle and knee, injuries to joints, bunions and HAV, and excess weight. Symptoms include painful joints, especially with motion, swelling and inflammation. Your podiatrist can advise you on footwear, possible orthoses or shoe padding, and changes in activities to minimise pain and further joint damage.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy is damage or disease that can impair sensation or movement in the feet. There are several different types of neuropathy some related to injury or traumas others due to systemic diseases such as diabetes and can be due to medications, surgery or treatments such as chemotherapy. There are a range of genetic diseases and inflammatory diseases that can cause neuropathy also. Podiatrists are trained to assess neurological status in the feet and will monitor conditions such as diabetes closely and can help diagnose the cause of other neuropathies that present to the clinic. Advice on self management and footwear is an important part of how your podiatrist will manage your feet if neuropathy is present. Many complications can arise in the feet as a result of neuropathy and regular Podiatric care is recommended.
Gout
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis as a result of high uric acid levels in the blood which crystallise and are deposited in the joints and surrounding tendons and tissues – most commonly the joint of the big toe. An attack of gout is usually rapid and very painful with a red hot swollen joint. Gout is caused by a combination of genetic factors and diet. Common food that can trigger gout if consumed in large amounts – red wine and beer, strawberries and tomatoes.
Your Podiatrist can diagnose an acute attack and provide some relief with padding. Seeing your GP is also important to discuss medications the can help during an acute attack and that can be taken to prevent future attacks. At Podiatry4Kids & Adults we can recommend a chemical free cream to help relieve symptoms.
Numbness
Numbness in the feet can be caused by a range of things such as excessive cold, nerve damage, neuromas, poor circulation, chilblains, pressure related, complications resulting from conditions such as Diabetes, side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy or be referred into the feet via compression of a nerve in the spine. Numbness can be temporary or ongoing. Your Podiatrist can carry out several tests and consider all of these factors to diagnose the cause of the numbness and then recommend the best treatment. Some nerve damage cannot be restored and further tests may be required to confirm some diagnoses.
Oedema (Swelling)
Pregnancy and your Feet




Foot care for the whole family!
We provide a gentle caring and family friendly podiatry service for all ages in particular for children.Podiatrists, centrally located in Preston, close to Fawkner, Pascoe Vale, Coburg, Brunswick,
Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Rosanna, Macleod, Reservoir, Bundoora, Greensborough, Kingsbury