Common Foot Problems in Children and When to Seek Help

Foot health is essential for children’s overall mobility and development, yet common foot problems can often go unnoticed. Addressing these issues early on can make a significant difference. 

According to a study, many foot problems in children respond well to conservative treatments, allowing surgical intervention to be delayed until a later age if needed (Trott et al., 1982). Understanding what’s normal and recognizing signs of concern can help parents make informed choices about their child’s foot care, ensuring healthy growth and movement.

Overview of Foot Development in Children

Children’s feet go through various stages of development, with each phase supporting the foundation for balanced movement, strength, and posture. Recognizing these developmental stages helps parents understand what’s typical and when intervention might be necessary.

• Infant Foot Development: In infancy, a child’s feet are soft and flexible, often appearing flat due to the baby fat covering the arches. It’s normal for infants to show flat feet or slightly turned-in toes as their muscles and ligaments are still forming.
• Toddler Foot Development: As toddlers begin walking, their feet develop strength and stability. The arch may still appear flat, but gradually starts forming as the child’s walking skills improve. Toddlers often display a bit of “in-toeing” (feet pointing inward), which usually corrects itself as they grow.
• Preschool and School-Age Foot Development: By preschool age, children’s feet begin to look more like adult feet, with arches becoming more defined. The foot’s shape, alignment, and structure continue to develop and stabilize, and most early postural quirks (like in-toeing or out-toeing) resolve on their own by age six or seven.
• Impact of Proper Footwear and Support: Wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes during these stages is essential for healthy foot development. Ill-fitting or unsupportive footwear can lead to unnecessary strain on the feet, which may contribute to issues later on. Choosing shoes with arch support, a wide toe box, and non-slip soles can promote proper growth and comfort.

While minor variations in development are normal, persistent issues may indicate an underlying condition that benefits from professional assessment.

Common Foot Problems in Children

Understanding common foot problems in children can help parents recognize early warning signs and seek timely assistance. Below are some of the most frequently encountered foot issues in children, along with what parents should watch for.

• Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
  Most cases of flat feet are painless and resolve as the child grows. However, if flat feet persist into later childhood and cause discomfort, intervention might be necessary. Signs of concern include pain, stiffness, or the child avoiding activities due to foot fatigue.

• In-Toeing and Out-Toeing
  In-toeing, also known as pigeon toes, is when the feet turn inward, while out-toeing is the opposite. Most children outgrow these conditions naturally by age eight. However, if these issues persist, it can cause the child to trip often, or interfere with their physical activity, it may be worth consulting a professional.

• Heel Pain (Sever’s Disease)
  Sever’s Disease is a frequent cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those involved in sports. This condition results from inflammation of the growth plate in the heel due to repetitive impact.

  Children with Sever’s Disease may complain of heel pain during activities and may walk on their toes to alleviate discomfort. Rest, stretching, and supportive footwear can help relieve symptoms, but persistent pain may require medical attention.

• Ingrown Toenails
  Redness, swelling, and sometimes infection can result from ingrown toenails, which happen when the nail’s edge pushes into the skin. Inappropriate nail care, tight footwear, or repetitive toe damage can all contribute to this problem.

  Mild cases may be managed at home with warm soaks and gentle care, but if the area becomes infected or very painful, medical treatment may be necessary.

• Plantar Warts
  Plantar warts, caused by a virus, are small, rough growths that appear on the soles of the feet. They can be painful, especially when located in weight-bearing areas.

  Plantar warts are often mistaken for calluses but can be identified by tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels) on the surface. Many warts resolve on their own, but if they persist or spread, a doctor may recommend treatment options.

• Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)
  Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can affect children, particularly those active in sports. Symptoms include itching, redness, and peeling skin, especially between the toes.

  Practicing good foot hygiene and keeping feet dry can help prevent athlete’s foot. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments are often effective, but if the condition doesn’t improve, medical treatment may be necessary.

Red Flags for Parents: When Foot Problems Require Medical Attention

While many childhood foot issues resolve naturally or respond well to simple treatments, some signs indicate that a more thorough evaluation may be needed. Knowing when to seek medical help can make a significant difference in a child’s comfort, mobility, and long-term foot health.

• Persistent Pain or Swelling
  Ongoing pain or swelling in the foot, ankle, or lower leg (especially if it doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter treatments) can indicate a more serious issue.

  Persistent pain may be due to an injury, inflammation, or a structural problem that requires professional assessment. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if pain interferes with daily activities, limits mobility, or worsens over time.

• Difficulty Walking or Running

If a child is frequently stumbling, limping, or having trouble keeping up with peers, it may signal an underlying foot condition. Gait abnormalities (such as favouring one leg) and balance issues can be associated with structural problems in the feet, legs, or hips.

Difficulty moving comfortably often indicates a need for further evaluation, especially if it leads to avoidance of physical activity.

• Visible Changes in Foot Shape or Toe Alignment
  Sudden or noticeable changes in the appearance of a child’s foot, such as an unusually high arch, severely flat feet, or crooked toes, may suggest a developmental issue.

  These changes can sometimes be associated with underlying conditions that require intervention. Monitoring any visible changes and consulting a professional when they become pronounced can help prevent potential complications.

• Recurring Issues with the Same Symptoms
  Repeated episodes of the same foot problem, such as recurring warts, ingrown toenails, or athlete’s foot, may indicate an issue that needs targeted treatment. Persistent infections or conditions that repeatedly affect the same area of the foot might require a medical approach beyond home care.

• Decreased Activity Due to Discomfort
  Children who avoid physical activities they once enjoyed or who seem less active due to foot discomfort might be dealing with an underlying issue. Reduced participation in activities like running, jumping, or playing sports can indicate pain or discomfort that needs addressing.

Preventative Care Tips for Parents

Preventing foot problems from an early age helps children maintain healthy, strong feet as they grow. By encouraging good habits and providing proper support, parents can reduce the likelihood of common foot issues and address minor concerns before they become serious.

• Selecting Appropriate Footwear
  The right footwear is essential for supporting a child’s developing feet. Choose shoes with a cushioned sole, arch support, and a roomy toe box to allow natural movement and growth.

  Avoid shoes that are too tight, as they can contribute to conditions like ingrown toenails or restrict natural development. Properly fitting shoes can also reduce the likelihood of needing additional support later on.

• Encouraging Good Foot Hygiene
  Teaching children to wash and dry their feet thoroughly can help prevent infections like athlete’s foot and reduce the buildup of bacteria. Encourage them to trim their toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails and check for any redness or soreness around the nails.

• Routine Foot Checks
  Regularly checking your child’s feet for signs of redness, swelling, or changes in shape helps catch early signs of potential issues.

  This is especially important during growth spurts, when changes in structure or alignment are more common. A quick inspection can help identify problems like warts, calluses, or discomfort that may benefit from early intervention.

• Providing Extra Support When Needed
  For children with flat feet, frequent foot pain, or noticeable gait abnormalities, consulting a healthcare provider can help determine whether additional support is beneficial. 

Treatment Options for Persistent Foot Problems in Children

When foot issues persist or cause significant discomfort, several effective treatments are available to support a child’s foot health and mobility. For more complex cases, healthcare providers can recommend specialized interventions that address both the symptoms and underlying causes.

• Orthotics and Supportive Footwear

For children who experience recurring pain or have conditions like flat feet, custom orthotics can provide needed support and alignment correction. 

Orthotics help reduce pressure on sensitive areas, improve posture, and help ease discomfort during everyday activities. Supportive footwear, when used with orthotics, offers additional stability and helps prevent further strain on the feet.

• Physiotherapy
  In some cases, physiotherapy can be an excellent option for children dealing with muscle weakness or issues related to abnormal walking patterns. For instance, a child who struggles with a particular gait may benefit from physiotherapy in North York (or a clinic nearest you), which is designed to improve strength and movement.

• Minimally Invasive Procedures
  Some foot problems, such as recurring ingrown toenails, may benefit from minimally invasive treatments if conservative methods aren’t effective. 

For example, a minor procedure to remove part of the toenail can provide lasting relief from repeated pain and infection. These procedures are typically quick and involve minimal downtime, allowing children to return to regular activities promptly.

Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy and Pain-Free

Taking care of your child’s foot health early on is crucial to ensuring they lead an active, pain-free life. If you notice persistent foot issues or need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. 

For personalized care and treatment, contact Oriole Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre, a trusted foot clinic in North York, at (416) 221-0772. Our team can guide you toward the right solutions for your child’s needs, helping them stay on their feet and enjoy every step of their journey!