07 February 2012
The University of South Australia is helping to keep Adelaide children healthy from the ground up with free children’s podiatry screenings being offered at City East Campus on Saturday February 18.
Podiatrist and UniSA lecturer Miss Hayley Uden says it’s important to have children’s feet checked during their early, growing years, especially if there are any concerns about their development.
Miss Uden says commonly noted foot and concerns for children include:
- Flat feet and rolling in ankles
- Pigeon-toed walking patterns
- Knock knees
- Bow legs
- Clumsiness
- Not keeping up with other children
- Difficulty fitting shoes
- Foot pain
- Leg pain
- Growing pains
- Warts
She says these are all concerns that can be addressed by a well-trained podiatrist.
“Parents often begin to notice any problems with the development of their child’s leg and feet when they first start walking,” she says.
“But problems can also arise at any age. For example, going back to school after the summer holidays and resuming playing sport can also bring on foot pain and problems with sporting shoe wear.
“Children’s legs and feet are not ‘mini adult’ legs and feet; they have their own unique growth and development patterns. It is for this reason that a child’s structural development may need to be assessed, especially if your child is experiencing pain and if you have a family history of foot and leg problems, or if you just have queries relating to shoe wear.
“The correct growth and development of a child’s legs and feet is indeed important for the long-term health of your child.”
UniSA’s Podiatry Clinic, in the Centenary Building at City East Campus, provides the only child specific foot clinic in South Australia, for ages ranging from toddlers to teenagers (up to 18).
Miss Uden, a graduate of UniSA’s Bachelor of Podiatry and Master of Health Science (Podiatry), has worked as a podiatrist for eight years and also lectures for UniSA’s Bachelor of Podiatry program.
She will be joined by UniSA Podiatry lecturers and graduates who will run the free children’s screenings on February 18 from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
The clinic will provide a unique child-friendly environment for children to be assessed and for any concerns to be addressed. For bookings please call the Podiatry Clinic on 8302 2269.
Contact for interview
- Hayley Uden office (08) 8302 2589
Media contact
- Kelly Stone office (08) 8302 0963 mobile 0417 861 832 email kelly.stone@unisa.edu.au
