Children’s Feet
When Should Your Child See a Podiatrist for Foot Problems?
Children’s feet and legs change considerably as they grow, and many differences in foot shape or walking are a normal part of development. However, persistent pain, difficulty with activity, unusual walking patterns or recurring foot problems would benefit from a podiatric assessment.
Parents may also notice concerns such as very flat feet, frequent tripping, uneven shoe wear, heel pain, ingrown toenails or plantar warts. An assessment can determine whether a problem requires treatment or simply needs to be monitored as the child grows.
Foot or leg pain that repeatedly limits sports, play or everyday activities should not automatically be dismissed as part of growing. Identifying where the pain is coming from can help determine whether treatment is necessary.
For additional information about children’s health and development, visit the Canadian Paediatric Society.
Common Foot Problems in Children
Flat Feet
Flat feet are common in children, particularly at younger ages when the arch is still developing. While some children with flat feet have no symptoms, many can benefit from conservative treatment or early intervention when foot structure and mechanics are contributing to pain, fatigue or abnormal function. Addressing these issues during growth may help improve foot function and reduce the risk of problems developing or progressing in the future.
Heel Pain and Sever's Disease
Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in active, growing children. It occurs when the growth area at the back of the heel becomes irritated from repeated stress. Pain is often worse with running and sports and usually improves with appropriate activity modification, stretching and treatment of contributing mechanical factors.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and commonly occur on the bottom of the foot. They may become painful when pressure from standing or walking pushes the wart into the skin. Treatment may be considered when a wart is painful, spreading or persistent.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a nail irritates or grows into the surrounding skin. Children and teenagers may develop pain, redness and swelling along the side of the nail, and infection can sometimes occur. Recurrent or painful ingrown toenails can usually be treated effectively in the office.
Walking and Gait Concerns
Parents may notice intoeing, out-toeing, frequent tripping or other differences in the way their child walks. Some gait patterns improve naturally as children grow, while others may be related to foot structure, joint movement or lower-limb alignment. Assessment can help determine whether treatment or simply monitoring is appropriate.
“Growing Pains” and Recurrent Leg Pain
The term “growing pains” is commonly used to describe recurring foot or leg pain in children, although growth itself is not considered a direct cause of pain. Recurrent pain may warrant assessment for mechanical or structural factors that could be placing increased stress on the feet and lower limbs.
Learn more about growing pains in children →
Concerned About Your Child’s Feet or Walking?
Schedule an appointment with Alberta Family Podiatry to have your child’s feet and lower limbs assessed and discuss whether treatment or monitoring may be appropriate. Call us at 587-355-3992 or use the text button on this page to contact our clinic.
Treatment for Children’s Foot and Leg Problems
Treatment depends on the specific problem, your child’s age and development, and whether the condition is causing pain or affecting normal activity. Not every difference in foot shape or walking requires treatment, and some conditions may simply be monitored as a child grows.
When treatment is appropriate, it may include footwear recommendations, stretching or strengthening exercises, activity modification, treatment of painful skin or nail conditions, or custom orthotics when foot structure and mechanics are contributing to symptoms or abnormal function.
More specific treatment may be recommended for conditions such as plantar warts, ingrown toenails, heel pain or injuries. The goal is to address the individual problem while allowing children to remain active and participate comfortably in their normal activities.
CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S FEET?