Children’s Foot Health

Pain in a child’s foot or ankle is never normal. There are no such things as growing pains. Any pain that lasts more than a few days, or that is severe enough to limit the child’s walking, should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon.

Common issues:

Pediatric Flatfoot

Most children with flat feet have no symptoms. However, sometimes they may have trouble participating in sports or appear to walk or run awkwardly. Some complain of pain or cramping in their feet, legs, or knees.


Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever's Disease)

Calcaneal apophysitis is a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. It typically affects children between the ages of eight and 14 years old, because the heel bone (calcaneus) is not fully developed until at least age 14. When there is too much repetitive stress on the growth plate, inflammation can develop.

Ingrown Toenails

Tight shoes or socks, or incorrect nail trimming are the most common cause of ingrown toenails in children, although sometimes the tendency for nails to curve inward is inherited. When the nail breaks the skin, serious infections can result.


Plantar Wart (Verruca Plantaris)

Warts can develop anywhere on the foot, but typically they appear on the bottom (plantar side) of the foot. These warts grow deep into the skin and can make walking or standing painful.

Share by: