Kids' Feet and Growing Pains: When Should You See a Podiatrist?
School holidays are often when parents notice things about their children's feet.
With kids running around barefoot, wearing different shoes, and spending more time being active, it's common for parents to ask:
"Is this normal?"
Fortunately, many changes in children's feet are simply part of normal development. But some signs are worth having assessed.
Are Growing Pains Really Caused by Growth?
Despite the name, we still don't fully understand the cause of growing pains.
At the time of writing, current evidence suggests growing pains are unlikely to be caused by bone growth itself. Instead, they may be related to muscle fatigue, activity levels, altered biomechanics, or several other contributing factors.
Typical growing pains:
- Affect both legs.
- Occur in the evening or overnight.
- Are absent during the day.
- Don't cause limping.
- Aren't associated with swelling, redness, or joint stiffness.
Children with typical growing pains are usually completely well between episodes.
When Should Parents Seek Advice?
We'd recommend an assessment if your child:
- Has pain affecting only one leg.
- Develops a limp.
- Avoids running or playing because of pain.
- Trips more often than expected.
- Complains regularly of foot or leg pain.
- Has feet that appear stiff or rigid.
- Has significant in-toeing that isn't improving.
- Has noticeably uneven shoe wear.
- Has symptoms that concern you.
These signs don't necessarily mean something serious is wrong, but they do warrant a closer look.
Why Early Assessment Matters
Many childhood foot and lower-limb conditions respond best while children are still growing.
Just as importantly, an assessment may provide reassurance that your child's development is entirely normal and that no treatment is needed.
When treatment is appropriate, it may include advice, exercises, footwear recommendations, Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT), gait plates, or Custom Foot Orthoses, depending on your child's individual needs.
Our goal isn't to change the appearance of your child's feet.
Our goal is to help them move comfortably, participate confidently, and enjoy being active.
When It's Probably Nothing To Worry About
Many children have:
- Flat feet.
- Mild in-toeing.
- Flexible joints.
- Legs that ache after busy days.
In many cases, these are normal variations of childhood development and simply improve with time.
If you're unsure whether your child's feet are developing normally, an assessment can provide reassurance and help determine whether any treatment is likely to be beneficial.
Every Child Is Different
Children aren't just small adults.
Their feet, muscles, joints, and movement patterns are continually changing as they grow, which is why treatment decisions should always be individualised.
Rather than treating every child the same, we focus on understanding how your child's feet function, how they affect everyday activities, and whether intervention is likely to improve comfort, confidence, or participation.
Concerned About Your Child's Feet?
If you'd like reassurance or have concerns about your child's foot or leg development, we'd be happy to help.
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