Paediatric podiatry

Who to Refer:

MSK conditions in those 16 and under such as:

• Calcaneal apophysitis (Severs) – Refer to paediatric podiatry if after following self management for 2 months the pain does not improve
• Osgood Schlatters
• Paediatric flat feet – note that it is perfectly normal for children under 6 years of age to have a flat foot, refer to podiatry if the child’s feet become painful or interfere with daily activities or if only one foot is affected
• Chondromalacia patellae
• In-toe walking – Refer if the child complains of pain or repeatedly trips/falls - after following advice.
• Toe walking - if the child becomes unstable when walking, complains of pain or cannot achieve heel contact when standing
• Gait concerns
• Digital deformity
• Joint hypermobility – Refer if the child is in pain or has a specific injury that’s not resolving to self management

Who Not to Refer

• Fungal nail infections
• Asymptomatic flat feet
• Verrucae
• Fungal infection of the skin, such as athletes foot

How to Refer 

• Referrals can be made via SCI-DC, or parents/care givers can self-refer using a request for assistance form

Paediatric Podiatry Request for Assistance 2.doc

It is normal for children to have flat feet until the age of around six.  Many parents can be worried about their children having flat feet even before this age – if there is no problem with pain or stiffness in the foot, reassurance can be offered.

National and local websites for further information:

Flat feet - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

NHS Borders: children and young people podiatry

podiatryadmin@borders.scot.nhs.uk