A children's foot assessment checks how your child's feet, legs and walking pattern are developing. Our Bella Vista podiatrists examine foot posture, joint flexibility, muscle strength and gait, then explain whether what you're seeing is a normal stage of development or something that would benefit from treatment.
Is My Child's Walking Normal?
Many things that worry parents are normal. Most toddlers have flat feet, bow legs are common under age two, knock knees often peak around ages three to four, and in-toeing usually improves by about age eight. Assessment is worthwhile when these are painful, one-sided or not improving.
| What you notice | Usually normal | Worth assessing |
|---|---|---|
| Flat feet | Under age 6, when the arch appears on tiptoe | Stiff, painful or one-sided flat feet |
| In-toeing | Toddlers and young children, improving with age | Worsening, one-sided or causing frequent falls |
| Out-toeing | New walkers | Persisting, one-sided or causing pain |
| Bow legs | Under age 2 | After age 3, or worsening |
| Knock knees | Ages 3 to 7 | After age 8, one-sided or severe |
| Toe walking | Occasionally in children learning to walk | Consistent toe walking after age 3 |
What Happens at the Assessment?
We review your child's history and walking milestones, check foot posture, flexibility, strength and balance, and watch them walk and run. Many children need only reassurance. When treatment helps, it may include exercises, footwear advice or orthoses to reduce pain and support activity. Bring their school shoes. No referral is needed.
Book an assessment if your child has:
- Foot, heel or knee pain
- Night-time leg aches
- Frequent tripping or falls
- Toe walking after age 3
- Stiff or painful flat feet
- In-toeing that's one-sided or not improving
- Uneven shoe wear
- Bunions
Usually not. Most young children have flexible flat feet, and the arch develops gradually between ages three and six. Treatment is considered if the flat feet are painful, stiff, one-sided or affecting activity.
In most cases, yes. In-toeing commonly improves by around age eight as the leg bones rotate with growth. It's worth checking if it's one-sided, worsening or causing frequent trips.
A firm heel counter, a sole that bends at the toes but not through the middle, laces or velcro, and a thumb's width of room past the longest toe.
