Expert Care from a Paediatric Physiotherapy and Podiatry Clinic in Singapore
It’s normal for kids to feel a little sore after a full day of running, jumping, and playing. But when your child frequently complains about foot pain, walks differently, or trips more than usual, it could be more than just “growing pains.”
In Singapore, where kids are constantly on the go — from school PE and CCA sessions to enrichment classes and weekend outings — these high activity levels, combined with growing bodies, can sometimes lead to overlooked issues with foot posture and movement development.
Many parents assume children will naturally “grow out of it.” However, some symptoms may be early signs of underlying conditions that, if left unmanaged, can affect your child’s long-term mobility, posture, and confidence. That’s where a trusted paediatric physiotherapy and podiatry clinic can make all the difference.
Let’s walk through the most common concerns we hear from parents and how early support can help.
Where can I find podiatry services for active kids in Singapore?
If your child is active, sporty, or constantly on the move, a podiatry check-up might be more beneficial than you think.
At Physio & Sole Clinic, a leading paediatric physiotherapy and podiatry clinic, our experienced podiatrists and physiotherapists work closely to provide comprehensive, child-focused care tailored to growing feet and active lifestyles.
We treat a wide range of conditions and concerns, including:
- Flat feet, heel pain, and Sever’s disease
- Sports-related injuries and overuse conditions
- Custom orthotics (prescribed only when clinically appropriate)
- Safe, age-appropriate footwear advice
- Biomechanical gait analysis to assess walking or running patterns and uncover underlying movement issues
Most importantly, our sessions are warm, friendly, and engaging, ensuring your child feels safe, supported, and even has fun during their visit.
What is a children’s gait assessment?
Not sure what’s really going on with your child’s walking? A gait assessment can provide clarity. This non-invasive assessment allows clinicians to observe how your child walks, runs, and stands, uncovering subtle imbalances that may be affecting their movement.
Here’s what typically happens during a children’s gait assessment:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We start by speaking with you and your child to understand their symptoms, lifestyle, and any concerns, such as pain, tripping, or uneven wear on shoes. We may ask about your child’s activity levels, growth milestones, or past injuries.
Step 2: Visual Observation
Your child will be asked to walk and sometimes run across a flat surface while the clinician observes from different angles. We look for:
- Foot posture (e.g., flat feet, arches collapsing)
- Stride pattern (e.g,. toe-walking, in-toeing)
- Alignment of knees, hips, and ankles
- Balance and coordination
Step 3: Physical Assessment
We’ll gently assess your child’s:
- Muscle strength and flexibility
- Joint mobility
- Postural control
- Any signs of tightness, weakness, or movement compensation
Step 4: Biomechanical Analysis (if needed)
For more detailed cases, we may use tools like foot pressure mats, video gait analysis, or 3D foot scanning to assess foot loading patterns and gait efficiency.
Step 5: Diagnosis & Recommendation
All findings are compiled to determine whether your child has conditions like:
- Flat feet or poorly formed arches
- Muscle imbalances or tightness
- Poor balance, stability, or coordination
- Irregular walking patterns that could lead to future pain or injury
These findings help us develop personalised treatment plans that support better alignment, comfort, and long-term musculoskeletal health.
What are the signs of flat feet in children?
Flat feet (扁平足) are common in toddlers and young kids, but if the arch doesn’t develop properly as they grow, it can lead to ongoing issues. Signs to watch for include:
- Arches that remain flat even when tiptoeing
- Ankles that roll inward
- Uneven shoe wear
- Regular complaints of tired legs or sore feet
While some children may outgrow it naturally, others need support. A paediatric physiotherapy and podiatry assessment can help determine whether intervention is needed, and guide the right treatment if so.
How can physiotherapy help my child’s foot pain?
Paediatric physiotherapy plays a key role in addressing not just foot pain, but also your child’s overall movement quality, strength, and coordination.
During a session at our paediatric physiotherapy and podiatry clinic, your child will be assessed for:
- Postural alignment and foot function
- Muscle strength and flexibility
- Joint mobility and control
From there, our physiotherapists guide your child through fun, play-based exercises that improve movement patterns. We also provide home exercise plans and make recommendations for activity modifications or footwear where needed.
This approach is especially helpful for:
- Flat feet
- In-toeing
- Toe-walking
- Post-injury rehabilitation
The goal is to reduce pain, improve movement confidence, and help your child thrive in school, sports, and play, without limitations.
When should I be concerned about my child’s walking?
It’s natural for kids to wobble or stumble sometimes, especially when they’re growing fast. But if you notice your child:
- Frequently trips or falls
- Walks on their toes past the age of 3
- Has one foot that turns in more than the other
- Complaints of leg or foot pain after sports or play
…it may be time to book a consultation. These signs could indicate issues with balance, coordination, or muscle development challenges that are best addressed early to prevent long-term discomfort.
Why Early Intervention Matters?
Don’t wait until your child is in pain or reluctant to join in physical activities. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications such as joint strain, postural problems, and reduced confidence in movement.
By addressing foot and movement concerns early, we can:
- Prevent chronic pain or injury
- Support healthy musculoskeletal development
- Improve your child’s posture, coordination, and performance
- Build confidence in physical activities and sports
Let’s Get Your Child Moving Comfortably Again
Foot pain and walking difficulties aren’t always “just a phase.” Left unaddressed, these early signs can develop into long-term issues affecting posture, mobility, and confidence.
That’s why early intervention matters. Identifying and treating movement or foot concerns in childhood allows for quicker recovery, better outcomes, and fewer complications down the road.
At Physio & Sole Clinic, our gentle, child-friendly approach supports kids at every stage—from toddlers taking their first steps to teens recovering from sports injuries. Our paediatric physiotherapists and podiatrists work together to help your child move freely, comfortably, and confidently.
Book a child-friendly assessment today and take the first step toward preventing problems before they grow.
