Children’s Foot Problems: What’s Normal and What Needs a Podiatrist

Children’s Foot Problems Parents Shouldn’t Ignore (But Often Do)

As a parent, you’re tuned in to every cough, sniffle, and scraped knee. But children’s foot problems often fly under the radar. When your child complains of sore feet, you might assume it’s growing pains. When they walk with their toes turned in, you might figure they’ll grow out of it. Sometimes you’re right. But sometimes a podiatrist’s assessment could prevent years of unnecessary discomfort or catch a problem that won’t self-correct.

What’s Normal in Developing Feet

Children’s feet are not simply small adult feet. They develop and change rapidly throughout childhood, and many things that look concerning are actually completely normal stages of development. Flat feet in toddlers and young children are expected — arches typically develop between ages 3 and 6. In-toeing (pigeon toes) is common in young children and usually resolves by age 8. Toe walking in toddlers who are learning to walk is normal initially but should be assessed if it persists beyond age 2–3.

When to See a Podiatrist

• Your child consistently complains of foot, leg, or knee pain during or after activity
• Flat feet persist beyond age 6 or are associated with pain, tripping, or fatigue
• In-toeing or out-toeing is worsening rather than improving, or causes tripping
• Your child is reluctant to participate in physical activity due to foot or leg discomfort
• Verrucae that aren’t resolving with home treatment
• Ingrown toenails causing pain or signs of infection
• Heel pain during or after sport (possibly Sever’s disease, a common childhood growth-related condition)
• Your child walks on their toes persistently beyond toddler years
• You notice abnormal shoe wear patterns (one shoe wearing down much faster or differently than the other)

Sever’s Disease: The Most Common Cause of Children’s Heel Pain

If your active child (typically aged 8–14) is complaining of heel pain, particularly during and after sport, Sever’s disease is the most likely cause. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated by the pull of the Achilles tendon during periods of rapid growth. It’s not serious, but it can be very painful and can sideline sporty children for extended periods if not managed properly.

A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, provide targeted treatment including stretching programmes, heel raises, and activity modification advice, and help your child stay active whilst the condition resolves.

How to Support Healthy Foot Development

• Let young children go barefoot on safe surfaces — this strengthens foot muscles naturally
• Ensure shoes fit properly and are replaced as your child’s feet grow (children’s feet can grow a full size in just a few months)
• Have children’s feet measured professionally when buying shoes
• Avoid hand-me-down shoes, as they’re moulded to another child’s foot shape
• Encourage a range of physical activities to develop balanced foot and leg strength

How Bucks Foot Clinic Helps Children

We make children’s appointments as comfortable and non-threatening as possible. We explain everything in age-appropriate language, take time to build rapport, and ensure your child understands what’s happening. Our assessments are gentle and thorough, and treatment is tailored to your child’s age, activity level, and specific needs.