Children’s Foot Problems in Amersham and Gerrards Cross: What Parents Need to Know
If your child is complaining of sore feet, walking awkwardly, or refusing to join in with activities they normally love, you are not alone. Children’s foot problems in Amersham and Gerrards Cross are something our team at Bucks Foot Clinic sees regularly — and the good news is that most conditions respond very well to early, professional care. Children’s feet are still developing, which means catching issues early can make a real difference to how they grow, move, and feel day to day.
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Why Children’s Feet Deserve Special Attention
A child’s foot is not simply a smaller version of an adult’s foot. The bones are still forming, the arches are still developing, and the soft tissues are far more adaptable — which is both a strength and a vulnerability. Problems that go unaddressed during these formative years can lead to long-term discomfort, postural issues, and even knee or back pain as children grow older.
Many parents assume that children’s foot complaints are just “growing pains” and will resolve on their own. Sometimes that is true. But other times, a specific condition needs treatment — and the sooner it is identified, the easier it is to manage.
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Common Children’s Foot Problems We Treat
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Most toddlers appear flat-footed because the arch has not yet fully developed. By around age six, a natural arch should begin to form. If your child still has flat feet beyond this age, or if they experience pain, fatigue in the legs, or avoid physical activity, it is worth having their feet assessed. Our HCPC-registered podiatrists can determine whether the flat feet are flexible (normal) or rigid (requiring intervention).
In-Toeing and Out-Toeing
In-toeing (when the feet point inward as your child walks) and out-toeing (when the feet point outward) are both common in young children. Many cases resolve naturally, but persistent patterns can affect gait (the way a person walks) and cause tripping, uneven wear on shoes, and discomfort. A gait assessment at our clinic can identify whether treatment or simply monitoring is the right path forward.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is not actually a disease — it is a painful condition caused by inflammation at the growth plate in the heel. It typically affects active children aged eight to fourteen, particularly those who play football, run, or dance. Your child may complain of heel pain that worsens after exercise and improves with rest. This condition responds well to podiatric treatment, including stretching programmes, heel padding, and footwear advice.
Verrucas and Warts
Verrucas (plantar warts caused by the human papillomavirus) are extremely common in school-age children, often picked up in swimming pools or changing rooms. They can be stubborn and painful if left untreated. At Bucks Foot Clinic, we offer swift microwave technology — a highly effective, clinically proven treatment that targets the verruca at its root without damaging the surrounding skin.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection. They are common in children who wear tight shoes or cut their nails incorrectly. If your child is limping or complaining of toe pain, do not wait for it to worsen — our podiatrists can treat ingrown toenails quickly and comfortably.
Toe Walking
Some children habitually walk on their tiptoes beyond the toddler stage. While this can be a normal phase, persistent toe walking may indicate tight calf muscles (gastrocnemius tightness), sensory processing differences, or other underlying factors. An early assessment helps rule out anything that needs attention and gives you peace of mind.
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Practical Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Foot Health at Home
While professional assessment is always the most reliable route, there are practical steps you can take at home to support healthy foot development.
Choose footwear carefully. Children’s shoes should have a firm heel counter (the part that cups the back of the foot), a flexible sole at the ball of the foot, and enough room for the toes to spread naturally. Avoid hand-me-down shoes — worn soles can reinforce poor foot mechanics.
Let young children go barefoot indoors. Walking barefoot on safe, varied surfaces strengthens the foot muscles and supports natural arch development. This is especially beneficial for toddlers.
Check shoe size regularly. Children’s feet can grow half a size every two to three months. Shoes that are too tight are one of the most common causes of foot problems in children.
Watch for warning signs. If your child limps, avoids physical activity, complains of pain after walking, or wears their shoes unevenly, book an appointment rather than waiting to see if it passes.
Dry between the toes after bathing. This simple habit reduces the risk of fungal infections, which are more common in children than many parents realise.
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When Should You See a Podiatrist?
You should book an appointment if your child:
– Complains of foot, heel, or leg pain that lasts more than a few days
– Limps or walks awkwardly
– Has visible changes to the skin or nails (thickening, discolouration, growths)
– Trips or falls more frequently than peers
– Refuses to take part in sports or physical activity due to discomfort
– Has one foot that looks noticeably different from the other
Early intervention almost always produces better outcomes. Our team works in a calm, child-friendly manner — we understand that a visit to any clinic can feel daunting for younger patients, and we take the time to put both children and parents at ease.
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Why Choose Bucks Foot Clinic for Your Child’s Foot Care?
Bucks Foot Clinic is a trusted, locally established podiatry clinic with two convenient locations — one in Amersham and one in Gerrards Cross — serving families across the surrounding areas including Old Amersham, Chesham, Beaconsfield, and beyond.
Our HCPC-registered podiatrists bring over ten years of combined clinical experience to every appointment. We offer thorough assessments, evidence-based treatments, and honest, practical advice — no unnecessary upselling, no jargon. Just clear guidance that helps your child feel better and move freely.
We offer same-week appointments, so you do not have to wait weeks to get answers. Whether your child needs a gait analysis, verruca treatment, nail care, or orthotics (custom insoles that support the foot and correct alignment), we have the expertise to help.
Our Amersham clinic is located at 18 Woodside Road, Amersham, HP6 6AJ, and our Gerrards Cross clinic is at 14 Station Road, Gerrards Cross, SL9 8EL. Both clinics are welcoming, accessible, and well-equipped to care for patients of all ages.
Ready to get help? Call us on 01494 304 849 (Amersham) or 01753 260 207 (Gerrards Cross), or visit our website at bucksfootclinic.com to book your child’s appointment today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I take my child to see a podiatrist?
There is no minimum age. If you have concerns about your child’s feet, gait, or footwear at any stage — from toddlerhood through the teenage years — a podiatrist can provide a professional assessment and reassurance. Early intervention is always preferable to waiting.
Are children’s foot problems covered by the NHS?
Some children’s foot conditions are available through NHS referral, but waiting times can be lengthy. Bucks Foot Clinic offers private appointments with same-week availability, so your child receives timely care without a long wait.
Is flat feet in children always a problem?
Not always. Many children have flat feet that are entirely normal and cause no issues. However, if flat feet are accompanied by pain, fatigue, or affect your child’s activity levels, a podiatric assessment will determine whether treatment is needed.
How do I know if my child’s shoes are the right fit?
There should be approximately a thumb’s width of space between the end of the longest toe and the front of the shoe. The heel should sit snugly without slipping, and the shoe should flex at the ball of the foot. If in doubt, bring the shoes to your appointment — our team is happy to advise.
What is swift microwave therapy for verrucas?
Swift is a clinically proven treatment that uses microwave energy to target the tissue infected by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes verrucas. It is fast, precise, and highly effective — particularly for stubborn verrucas that have not responded to over-the-counter treatments. It is suitable for older children and adults.
Can children wear orthotics (custom insoles)?
Yes. Custom orthotics can be prescribed for children with flat feet, in-toeing, heel pain, and other conditions. They are designed to fit inside everyday shoes and support healthy foot and leg alignment during the crucial years of growth.
