A hug at the clinic says a lot about how I like to see children: at their own pace, with patience and with the same face at every visit. Here is how I look after their trust at the clinic in Altea, and how to prepare for their first visit.
In children’s podiatry, the trust between the podiatrist and the child means a great deal to me. That connection is built little by little and, sometimes, it shows in a hug like the one in this photo.
The little one in the photo loves coming, and knowing that makes me so happy. Over time we have built a lovely bond, and this picture holds a little of the affection we have for each other.
Why trust matters so much at a children’s appointment
When I look at this photo, I remember how important it is for a child to feel at ease with the person looking after them. To find a familiar face, to know they will be listened to, and to be able to come up to you with confidence.
For me, looking after the youngest patients also means caring for how they feel. I want them to have their space, to be able to express themselves in their own way and to feel the warmth with which I welcome them. Their peace of mind matters a lot to me.
And it is not only about affection. A calm child lets you look at their feet and walks more naturally, tells you more clearly what bothers them and comes back to the next check-up without fear. In children’s podiatry that is often exactly what is needed — seeing how the foot develops as the child grows — and for that they need to come happily.
How it is built, visit by visit
That trust builds up over time. In the way you speak to them, in the patience to respect their pace and in a real interest in what they want to tell you. Little by little, the clinic can become a familiar place, and their podiatrist someone they look forward to seeing again.
Every child has their own character. Some come up to you straight away; others need more time. I like to think there is room for each of them just as they are, with their chattier days and their shyer days. My wish is for them to feel welcome and loved.
It helps a great deal that it is always the same person: at the clinic, whoever assesses your child is also the one who treats them and sees them again at their check-ups. That way, a familiar face is not left to chance.
If it is their first visit: how to prepare at home
A few small things at home help make the first day easier, for them and for you:
- Tell them in advance, in simple words, that you are going to have their feet and the way they walk looked at, without turning it into a big event.
- Be honest about what is going to happen and do not promise anything you are not sure of: trust is also earned by avoiding surprises.
- Bring the shoes they wear every day: their wear and how they fit say a lot.
- If what worries you does not happen all the time — when they run or when they are tired — record a short video at home: at the clinic children often walk differently because they know they are being watched.
- Note down how long you have noticed it and whether anything hurts: it is the first thing I will ask you, together with their age.
If it reassures them to know where they are going, you can look at the clinic together before you come: recognising the place on arrival takes away part of the unknown.
Whenever you are ready, you can book an appointment for your child; in the comments, just say it is for a child and how old they are.
When to take a child to the podiatrist
These are the most common reasons for a children’s appointment:
- Pain or tiredness when walking, or a child who avoids walking or running: foot pain in a child is always assessed.
- A foot or leg shape that worries you.
- A way of walking that draws attention, or frequent tripping.
- Very uneven wear of their shoes.
- Ingrown toenails or plantar warts, which are common at these ages.
Often the conclusion is that everything fits their age and a review later on is enough — and that is a good result too. If what worries you is how they stand or walk, flat feet in children and my child walks with their feet turned in explain what is typical at each age and when it is worth having it assessed.
Thank you for trusting me with your children
That is why this photo means so much to me. After a while sharing visits, being able to keep a moment like this makes me feel very lucky. You can see in my smile how happy a hug makes me.
This is how I want to practise children’s podiatry at my clinic in Altea: up close, and with a great deal of affection for the little ones whose families trust me with them.
Thank you to everyone who lets me be there for your children and be part of a small corner of their childhood. That they come happily and are glad to see me again is something I value enormously.
And to you, little one, thank you for this hug. I love seeing you too.
Sources
- Preparing Your Child for Visits to the Doctor (opens in a new tab) · Nemours KidsHealth
- Leg and foot problems in children (opens in a new tab) · National Health Service (NHS)
Frequently asked questions
- From what age can you take a child to the podiatrist?
- There is no need to wait for a particular age: a child’s foot can be assessed as soon as something worries you, including a baby’s, for example if a foot looks very curved or stiff. What changes with age is the yardstick, because what is normal at three is not at eight.
- Is it worth going even if nothing seems wrong?
- It is not necessary if nothing worries you. But if you are not sure whether what you see fits their age — how they stand, how they walk, how they wear out their shoes — that doubt is already a reasonable reason to come, and often the answer is that all is well.
- What if my child is scared or will not let anyone touch their feet?
- It is more common than it seems, and that is fine. At the clinic we go at their pace: first we talk, I explain what I am going to do and let them look and ask, without forcing anything. What does not happen one day may happen at the next visit. At home, it helps never to present it as a punishment.
- Can I stay with my child during the appointment?
- Yes, and I like it that way. With you beside them they feel safer, and you also know things they cannot yet put into words: since when it happens, when they complain or how they walk at home.
- How often do they need to come back for a review?
- It depends on what is found, and there is no single timetable for every child. If everything fits their age, sometimes there is no need to come back unless you notice something new; if something is worth following, I will tell you at the end of the visit when it makes sense to check it again.
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