Some children’s foot problems are mild and settle with time, but others deserve earlier attention. If your child is limping, walking on the outer edge of the foot, refusing to bear weight, or developing swelling, stiffness, or spasms around the foot or ankle, it is worth getting the problem assessed.
For a broader guide to common childhood foot concerns, you can also visit our Children’s Feet page.
Ongoing limping, swelling, stiffness, repeated sprains, or pain that interferes with sport and walking should not be ignored. These symptoms do not always mean something serious is wrong, but they can point to conditions that need assessment and monitoring.
Early review can help identify whether the issue is related to growth, bone development, joint stiffness, tendon irritation, or foot alignment.
Köhler’s disease — a temporary loss of blood supply to the navicular bone, causing pain. Children may walk on the outer foot to reduce discomfort.
Pain or swelling along the outer edge of the foot.
Iselin’s disease — irritation where a tendon attaches to the 5th metatarsal, usually in active children.
Tarsal coalition — an abnormal connection between two foot bones that limits movement. Symptoms may not appear until later childhood.
We help families from Craigieburn, Gladstone Park, and across Melbourne with children’s gait concerns, limping, pain, swelling, and other symptoms that deserve closer attention.
We assess limping, pain, swelling, and walking changes to help identify whether your child’s symptoms are part of normal development or need further care.