Podiatrists can play a large role in the improvement of function, quality of life in children’s gait (walking) and lower limb conditions, being a valued member of the wider multidisciplinary team.
Keeping Me Well
Our team of Podiatrists from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board have put together a wealth of information on our Keeping Me Well website including guidance and advice on children’s foot, ankle, and lower limb health. Please visit the Children’s Podiatry section.
Please find below useful links from NHS websites and from the College of Podiatry for common musculoskeletal problems, affecting children and young people.
Leg and foot problems in Children
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/leg-and-foot-problems/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/leg-and-foot-problems/
Curly toes
https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/CMS-Documents/Patient-leaflets/TraumaandOrthopaedics/6080-1-Curly-Toes.pdf
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis/
Flat Foot
Bunion (Hallux abducto valgus)
Walking / Gait variations
Toe walking-normal variations of children walking
https://videos.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/Childrens-physiotherapy
https://videos.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/Childrens-physiotherapy
Flat feet-Normal variations of Children’s walking https://videos.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/Childrens-physiotherapy
Exercises
If your Podiatrist has issued your child with exercises such as stretching, or balancing, you can watch the videos below with advice on how to perform them effectively and safely.
Simple stretches for your child’s legs
https://videos.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/Childrens-physiotherapy
https://videos.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/Childrens-physiotherapy
Calf muscle stretch
https://trakphysio.org.uk/ExercisePlan/Exercise/6-36--Phase-one--Flexibility--Gastrocnemius-stretch
https://trakphysio.org.uk/ExercisePlan/Exercise/6-36--Phase-one--Flexibility--Gastrocnemius-stretch
Soleus muscle / Deep calf muscle stretch
https://trakphysio.org.uk/ExercisePlan/Exercise/6-41--Phase-one--Flexibility--Soleus-stretch-(standing)
Hamstring stretch lying
https://trakphysio.org.uk/ExercisePlan/Exercise/6-19--Phase-one--Flexibility--Hamstring-stretch-(lying)
Hamstring stretch standing
https://trakphysio.org.uk/ExercisePlan/Exercise/6-38--Phase-one--Flexibility--Hamstring-stretch-(standing)
Single leg balance
https://trakphysio.org.uk/ExercisePlan/Exercise/2-25--Phase-one--Balance--Single-leg-balance
Double leg heel raise / Single leg balance heel raise
https://trakphysio.org.uk/ExercisePlan/Exercise/20-79--Phase-two--Strength--Single-leg-straight-knee-heel-raise
Skin and Nail Problems common in children and young people
Young people and children can sometimes develop some of these common skin and nail problems.
Please note as a service we will be updating this information as the Covid 19 pandemic eases.