Common problems


Like adults, children can suffer from foot problems. However, some foot problems are more common in children -

Skin and nail problems

Athlete's foot - a fungal infection of the skin that can cause itching, burning and peeling of the skin. This can affect anybody at any age, though teenagers are commonly affected. For advice, treatment and management, go to Athlete's foot.

Ingrown toenails - occur when the side of the nail pierces the skin causing it to become inflamed, painful and swollen. The big toe is most commonly affected.

Teenagers are particularly prone to ingrown toenails. For advice, treatment and management, go to Ingrown toenails.

Sweaty feet - all children can suffer from sweaty feet, though some much more than others. Good foot hygiene should be observed and shoes and socks changed regularly. For advice, treatment and management, go to Sweaty feet.

Verrucae - these are warts caused by a viral infection of the skin and can appear anywhere on the feet or hands. They are much more common in children than adults. For advice, treatment and management, go to Verrucae.

Developmental problems

Bow legs - when children are born, their hips are externally rotated resulting in legs that lie far apart with knees facing outwards. As the child grows, the hips will start to rotate internally until the knees are facing forwards, typically by about the age of 2 years old. If after the age of two there is still a pronounced gap between the knees and the ankles when the child is standing, you should see your health visitor or GP. You may be referred to a podiatrist for further investigation.

Knock knees - when children are born, their hips are externally rotated resulting in legs that lie far apart with knees facing outwards. As the child grows, the hips will start to rotate internally until the knees are facing forwards, typically by about the age of 2 years old. The hips naturally continue to internally rotate until the knees face inwards, and this normally happens between the ages of 4 and 6 years old. By the age of 6, the knees should have started to externally rotate back so that they are facing forwards.

In some girls, knock knees can reoccur in adolescence. This coincides with changes at the pelvis caused by puberty and is part of normal development.

In-toeing (pigeon-toed) - children's feet may turn in when they walk. In-toeing may develop as a result of physical changes to the bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons of the hips and legs. Alternatively it can occur simply as a result of habit. In-toeing can be improved with stretching exercises and changes to children's habits. However, most cases of in-toeing resolve on their own by the age of 8 or 9 years.

Flat feet - children are born with flat feet as their bones are not developed sufficiently to produce an arch. By the age of 6 years, an arch should be visible. If when your child stands on tiptoe the arch forms normally, no treatment is required.

Tiptoe walking - children may develop tiptoe walking as a habit and as a result, the calf muscles contract making it difficult to place the heel on the ground. It can resolve as the child matures and becomes heavier. It may also be improved by stretching exercises. In some cases it can be due to problems with the nervous system such as cerebral palsy. See your GP, health visitor or podiatrist.

If you are concerned about your child's development, see your GP, health visitor or podiatrist.

What can a podiatrist do?

A podiatrist can assess, diagnose, treat and manage conditions of the feet and lower limbs. They have an extensive scope of practice including -
  • Assessment and treatment of common foot complaints such as verrucae and Athlete's foot (see Common foot problems)
  • Assessment of the structure, alignment and function of the feet and legs with appropriate treatment such as insoles, stretching and strengthening exercises to correct any abnormality (see Biomechanics and orthotics)
  • Nail surgery using local anaesthetics for ingrown toenails
  • Advice on prevention of foot problems and how to keep your feet in good health (see Top tips for little feet)
  • Refer to and liaise with other health professionals
For expert care and attention, go to find a podiatrist now.