Mitchell Smith

Presentation: Things that go ouch in the night - updated recommendations for children with growing pains

Growing pains are one of the most common paediatric pain conditions, and families often present to podiatrists seeking advice on pain management. Despite this, our understanding of the condition is limited, often leading to frustration for children, parents, and health professionals alike. This presentation will discuss updated diagnostic criteria for growing pains, the current state of the evidence for treatment, and how child and parent pain experiences can shape how we support our families.

Workshop: What is a 'normal physical examination' anyway?

Updated diagnostic criteria for growing pains in children includes a 'normal physical examination' - but what does this actually look like and what should podiatrists be assessing? This workshop will discuss the elements of physical examination of a child presenting with limb pain to support podiatrists with the diagnosis of growing pains or decision making around investigation and referral.
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Mitchell Smith

Mitchell is a Melbourne-based podiatrist and academic with a clinical and research interest in paediatric practice. His PhD research is with the Monash University School of Primary and Allied Health Care, working as part of the MRFF-funded ‘Kids Leg Pain’ project (www.kidslegpain.au). His research focus is developing family-centred practice recommendations for the diagnosis and management of growing pains in children. Mitchell received his Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) from University of South Australia where he completed and published research on developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children and how this interfaces with the podiatry profession. He has delivered clinical podiatry and research presentations across Australia, the UK, and Canada. Mitchell works clinically in the public sector as the Senior Podiatrist with the Monash Health Child and Family Program, and received the title of Credentialled Paediatric Podiatrist (APodA) in 2025. Mitchell also works as a Lecturer in the Podiatry department at La Trobe University.