There is no minimum age. Podiatrists see babies who are not yet walking, toddlers with unusual walking patterns, primary schoolers with pain, and teenagers with sport injuries. The assessment is adapted to age: with young children, much of it happens through play, watching them walk and move, and talking with you about milestones and what you have noticed at home.

Growing pains are a recognised pattern: aching in both legs, usually in the evening or overnight, with no limp and no pain during the day. Pain in one leg only, pain during activity, limping, swelling or tenderness in one spot does not fit that pattern and is worth having assessed rather than waiting.

Toe walking is common in toddlers and many children grow out of it. It is worth assessing if it continues past about age three, happens most of the time, only affects one side, or comes with tight calves that limit how far the ankle bends. Treatment often starts with stretching, strengthening and footwear changes.

In-toeing can come from the foot, the shin or the hip, and each one behaves differently as a child grows. Many patterns improve on their own over several years. An assessment tells you which one you are dealing with, whether it is tracking normally for your child’s age, and whether tripping or fatigue needs addressing in the meantime.

Second-hand shoes can be fine if the sole is not worn unevenly, the heel counter is still firm, and they fit your child properly. Shoes mould to the previous wearer’s foot, so a well-worn pair may push your child’s foot into a position that is not theirs. Check the wear pattern before passing them down.

Some things do settle with growth, and a good assessment will tell you when watchful waiting is reasonable. Pain is different. Pain that has lasted weeks, stops your child playing, or keeps returning each season is not something to wait out, because children often change how they move to avoid it, which can create problems elsewhere.