Watching your child take their first steps is a milestone every Adelaide parent cherishes. However,
as those toddlers turn into active school kids playing Saturday morning netball or footy, unique
foot and leg issues can arise. At Instep Podiatry, we believe that “growing pains” shouldn’t just be
brushed off as a rite of passage.
Because children’s bones are still developing and are more cartilaginous (softer) than adult bones,
they are susceptible to specific conditions that require a local, expert eye. Here are the most
common issues we treat across our Adelaide clinics.
Sever’s Disease: The “Sporty Kid” Syndrome
One of the most frequent complaints we hear from parents is heel pain, particularly in children
aged 8 to 14. This is often Sever’s Disease. Despite the scary name, it isn’t a disease but an
inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel.
In Adelaide, we see a spike in Sever’s during the transition between sporting seasons, moving from
the soft turf of winter soccer to the hard, sun-baked courts of summer basketball. The calf muscle
pulls on the Achilles tendon, which in turn pulls on the growing heel bone.
In-toeing and “W-Sitting”
Does your child trip over their own feet frequently, or do their toes point inward when they walk?
In-toeing (often called pigeon-toeing) is a common concern for Adelaide parents. While many
children outgrow this, it can sometimes be caused by the position of the hip (femoral anteversion)
or the shin bone (tibial torsion).
We often look for “W-sitting” – where a child sits on the floor with their knees in front but their
feet flared out to the sides. This position can stress the developing hip joints and encourage in-
toeing. Our podiatrists work with families to correct sitting habits and use gait retraining to ensure
long-term alignment.
Flat Feet and “Growing Pains”
It is perfectly normal for toddlers to have flat feet, as their arches haven’t developed yet.
However, if your child is reaching school age and still has no visible arch or if they complain of
aching legs at the end of a big day at the Adelaide Zoo or Royal Adelaide Show – it may be time
for an assessment.
“Growing pains” in the calves and shins at night are often actually caused by foot fatigue. If the
foot over-pronates (rolls in), the muscles in the legs have to work twice as hard to stabilise the
body.
Warts and School Pool Hygiene
Adelaide’s hot summers mean plenty of time at local swimming centres. Unfortunately, warm, wet
communal areas are the breeding ground for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes
Plantar Warts (Verrucae). Unlike warts on the hands, these grow inward due to the pressure of
walking and can become quite painful for a child during PE lessons.
Why Early Intervention Matters at Instep Podiatry
The “wait and see” approach can sometimes lead to compensations that affect the knees, hips,
and lower back later in life. At Instep Podiatry, we make our paediatric assessments fun and
stress-free. We use:
Custom Paediatric Orthotics: Slimline inserts that fit easily into school shoes and sneakers.
Footwear Advice: Helping you choose the best school shoes available at Adelaide retailers
to support growing arches.
Stretching Programs: Simple, game-based exercises to help with tight calf muscles and
Sever’s pain.
Whether your child is a budding athlete or just starting their journey at preschool, we are here to
ensure every step they take is a confident one.
Email or call Instep Podiatry in Adelaide on (08) 8250 3732 to book an appointment.