Kids grow quickly, and their feet are no exception. But fast growth can sometimes come with small problems that can easily go unnoticed until they lead to discomfort, or worse, pain. Foot issues in children are more common than many parents think, and catching these early can make a big difference in how they’re treated. Since young kids might not always be able to say what they feel, it helps for parents to know what to look out for.
Keeping an eye on how your child moves and checking in when they complain about sore feet or legs go a long way. From pain in the heels to odd toe shapes, many of these signs are part of normal development, but others might point to something that needs medical attention. Let’s walk through some of the most common foot problems children face, how to spot them, and when you should consider getting some extra help.
Flat Feet
Flat feet in children can often go unnoticed because some kids don’t feel pain at all. Others might just say their feet are tired or their legs feel weird after playing. In simple terms, flat feet happen when the arch on the inside of the foot doesn’t form the way it should or seems to disappear when standing. In many cases, this is normal in younger children but can become a problem if it starts to affect how they walk or play.
Here’s what to watch for:
– Limping after sports or play
– Complaints of aching feet, knees, or back
– Worn-down shoes, especially more on one side than the other
– An unusual walking pattern, like walking on toes or an inward roll of the feet
Treatment for flat feet depends on the child’s age and the severity of the condition. Since every child is different, there is no single guideline, which is why an assessment is important. Common treatment options may include supportive footwear, stretching and strengthening exercises, or custom orthotics, depending on the severity. Addressing the issue early can help prevent long-term problems that may affect posture, activity levels, or even lead to injuries.
Heel Pain (Sever’s Disease)
If your child starts to complain about pain in their heels, particularly after sports or running, it could be Sever’s disease. It sounds scary, but it’s actually a common condition during growth spurts. It happens when the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, causing tension and pain. It’s especially common in physically active children between ages 8 and 14.
Signs you might notice include:
– Pain at the back of the heel, especially after activity
– Stiffness when getting out of bed or starting to move
– Redness or puffiness in the heel area
– Limping, especially during or after sports
The best way to handle this is by giving your child some rest, using ice for swelling, and making sure they wear proper shoes with cushioning. Avoid flip-flops or thin soles during this time. In some cases, a foot specialist might suggest heel lifts or custom insoles to ease the pressure. Stretching exercises for the calves and hamstrings can also help. Pay attention to how often the pain comes back. If it’s regular, seek out expert advice.
Intoeing (Pigeon-Toed Walking)
If your child’s feet turn inward when they walk or run, it may be a condition called intoeing, often referred to as being “pigeon-toed.” While it may look concerning, intoeing is common in young children and often improves on its own as they grow. It usually results from the way the bones and joints develop during early childhood, particularly in the hips, legs, or feet.
Intoeing can be noticed as early as infancy and is most common in children under the age of 5-8. In most cases, it doesn’t cause pain, but in some children it may affect balance, coordination, or increase the risk of tripping while walking and running.
Signs you might notice include:
– Feet pointing inward while walking or running
– Tripping or stumbling more often than peers
– Sitting in a “W” position on the floor
– Walking with knees or legs turned inward
Most children outgrow intoeing, so treatment may not be needed. Supportive shoes and avoiding the “W” sitting position can help. If the intoeing is severe, not improving, or affecting your child’s activities, a foot specialist may recommend treatments like stretches, therapy, or special insoles. If you’re concerned or unsure, it’s always best to get it checked.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails might seem like a small issue, but they can cause a lot of discomfort for kids. This happens when the edge of the nail starts to grow into the skin next to it. For children, it’s usually their big toe that gets affected. Tight shoes, nails cut too short, or even repeated stubbing can be common causes. Some kids are just more prone to them if they have naturally curved nails.
There are some telltale signs that a toenail is growing the wrong way:
– Redness and swelling along the edge of the nail
– Pain when pressing at side of the toe
– Sensitivity while walking or wearing shoes
– Clear or yellowish drainage, especially if skin around the nail breaks down
To help lower the chances, make sure kids wear shoes that fit properly and allow room for their toes. Toenails should be trimmed straight across, not curved at the corners. If you notice the area getting worse, don’t poke at it or try to remove the nail at home. If there’s pus, ongoing pain, or difficulty walking, book a visit with a foot care professional who can treat it safely and permanently.
Plantar Warts In Children
Warts on the bottom of the feet, also called plantar warts, are caused by contact with a virus that enters the skin. You’ll usually spot them on the bottom of the feet. They might look like hard, grainy bumps with a small black dot in the centre. Although they’re usually harmless, they can be painful, especially if your child spends a lot of time on their feet.
Here’s how to recognize a plantar wart:
– A rough skin patch that disrupts the natural skin lines
– Pain when walking, similar to stepping on a small stone
– Bumps that may grow in size or in quantity
– Black pinpoint dots (these are tiny clotted blood vessels)
Warts often show up in kids who go barefoot in shared places like swimming pools or locker rooms. Wearing sandals in these areas and keeping feet clean and dry helps reduce the risk.
It can be tempting to wait and see if a wart will go away on its own, but some persist, multiply, or become increasingly painful. Professional treatments are more reliable and help prevent warts from returning or spreading.
Understanding Growing Pains And Their Impact On Feet
Growing pains are something many children go through, especially during their early elementary years. These pains often come in the evening or at bedtime and usually affect the legs. But in some cases, they can be linked with foot discomfort too. Kids may not always have the right words to describe what they’re feeling, so what sounds like random pain might be connected to their feet.
Here are some signs that foot issues could be related to growing pains:
– Complaints of sore legs after lots of activity
– Fussiness near bedtime with aching calves or soles
– Night waking due to leg or foot pain
– Tiredness or soreness after walking short distances
It’s tough to know what’s normal and what’s not. That’s why watching for patterns helps. If the pain comes back night after night or starts getting in the way of your child’s sleep and play, it might be time to look into it more closely. General growing pain should ease with rest and light stretching. If things don’t improve, it could point to something like posture or foot alignment issues.
Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy and Happy
Foot concerns during childhood can feel overwhelming, but that doesn’t mean they’re hard to manage. The key is catching them early so small problems never get the chance to turn into big ones. Staying alert to how your child moves, checking for soreness or swelling, and listening to their complaints can go a long way.
Since their feet do a lot of work during those fast-growing years, giving them proper attention means they’ll stay strong and comfortable. Whether it’s flat feet, heel pain, or just growing aches, having a trusted foot care expert helps put your mind at ease. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to ask someone who understands what’s normal and what isn’t.
Proper pediatric foot care in Toronto can support your child through every growth spurt, school year, and sports season. Regular check-ups offer peace of mind and give your child the tools to stay active, confident, and pain-free.
If you’re concerned about your child’s foot health and want to help them stay active and comfortable as they grow, explore pediatric foot care in Toronto with the experienced team at Footwyse Clinic and Orthotic Centre. We offer one to one support and tailored treatments designed to keep your child’s feet healthy at every stage. Take healthy steps forward by having your child’s feet assessed.Â