Paediatric podiatry involves the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of many different types of conditions that can specifically affect kids from infants right through the growing years into adulthood.

This is the most common nail presentation we see that is manly seen in younger males, however it can occur at any age. The nail becomes known as involuted in shape (the nail turns inwards) and causes pain and can easily become infected.

Nail surgery with a local anaesthetic injection can easily resolve this problem. Patient advice is given to the parent and child and includes information such as correct nail cutting techniques and how to avoid reoccurrence.

Are a frequently occurring dermatological presentation in children. These are benign and affect the surface of the feet. They can spread into a cluster, often have callus (thick skin) and often have black spots in the middle.

Warts can often be mistaken for corns, we are the experts in correctly identifying what is a plantar wart and how to treat it effectively.

There is a very strong genetic link to the formation of bunions, irrespective of age. Footwear may aggravate the condition but footwear does not cause the bunion to develop in the first place.

Surgery should not be carried out before the foot is fully skeletally mature. Until the growing foot is fully formed a foot splint can help to control the position of the big toe.

This condition is detected in a newborn infant and on presentation the feet are turned inwards.  A casting technique called the Ponseti technique of foot casting is utilised along with foot manipulation to correct the developmental defect to allow for the child to be able to mobilise as the infant grows.

Failure to correct this deformity early on,  often results in very poor mobility outcomes for the child. A foot brace is also required during the treatment process to achieve a positive outcome.

This condition affects the inner area of the midfoot causing pain and tenderness at a bone in the foot called the navicular. X-ray imaging shows changes of increased density and collapse of the navicular bone.

With conservative treatments such as temporary supportive padding and strapping or supportive foot orthoses, symptoms will disappear and x-ray imaging will become normal in one to two years.

This condition occurs from an increase in physical activity and is characterised by an overuse and repetitive stress on a metatarsal bone in the forefoot. Each foot has 5 metatarsal bones. Local pain, tenderness and swelling will be seen.

Participating in high impact sports such as running, basketball or soccer can cause stress fractures in the forefoot. Surgery is rarely required, with most cases the fracture will heal with rest and a change in activity.