As a parent, it’s natural to worry when your child complains about foot pain. While growing pains are common during childhood, persistent discomfort isn’t something to ignore. If your child’s foot pain is interfering with their daily activities or getting worse over time, it may be a sign of something more serious. Knowing when to seek a children's food doctor can help ensure your child stays active, pain-free, and healthy.
What Are Growing Pains?
Growing pains are a common part of childhood and typically appear during periods of rapid growth. They are:
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Felt in both legs, usually in the thighs, calves, or behind the knees
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More noticeable in the late afternoon or evening, sometimes waking kids up at night
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Not associated with swelling, redness, or limping
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Temporary and usually relieved with stretching, massage, or heat
Growing pains don’t cause long-term issues and generally go away on their own. However, if your child’s pain is more frequent, severe, or limited to one area of the foot, it could be a sign of a more serious condition and means it is time to see a children's food doctor.
Signs It Could Be Something More
Foot pain that persists or worsens over time is not normal. Here are some red flags to watch for:
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Pain that doesn’t improve with rest or simple home remedies
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Swelling, redness, or warmth in a specific area of the foot
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A noticeable limp or reluctance to put weight on one foot
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Pain concentrated in the heel, arch, or toes instead of the legs
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Stiffness, reduced flexibility, or difficulty moving the foot normally
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to have their feet evaluated by a podiatrist to rule out underlying conditions.
Common Causes of Foot Pain in Kids
Children’s feet are still developing, making them more vulnerable to certain conditions. Some of the most frequent causes of foot pain in kids include:
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Sever’s Disease – A common cause of heel pain in active children, especially during growth spurts
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Flat Feet – Lack of proper arch development, which can lead to discomfort and fatigue in the feet and legs
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Overuse Injuries – Repetitive impact from sports or excessive running and jumping can strain the foot muscles and ligaments
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Improper Footwear – Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lack proper support can contribute to long-term foot issues
Early detection and treatment can prevent these conditions from worsening and keep your child moving comfortably.
When to See a Podiatrist
If your child’s foot pain is interfering with their ability to walk, run, or enjoy daily activities, it’s time to seek expert care. A podiatrist can assess their foot health and provide solutions to relieve pain and prevent future issues. Schedule an appointment if:
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The pain is persistent and not improving with rest
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Your child is limping or avoiding putting weight on their foot
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There is swelling, redness, or any noticeable changes in foot shape
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Your child is an athlete experiencing frequent foot pain or injuries
A professional evaluation can give you peace of mind and help your child get back to their normal, active self.
How Haro Podiatry Center Can Help
At Haro Podiatry Center, we know how important it is for kids to stay active and pain-free. Our team provides:
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Expert Diagnosis – We take the time to evaluate your child’s symptoms and pinpoint the cause of their foot pain
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Effective, Non-Invasive Treatments – We focus on solutions that relieve pain without disrupting daily life
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Personalized Care Plans – Every child’s needs are different, and we tailor treatments to support healthy foot development
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Advanced Technology – We use the latest diagnostic and treatment methods to ensure the best possible results
Help Your Child Stay Active and Pain-Free
If foot pain is keeping your child from enjoying sports, school, or everyday activities, don’t wait for it to get worse. Take the first step toward relief today:
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Step 1: Get a professional evaluation. Our team will assess your child’s foot health and identify the source of their pain.
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Step 2: Begin a personalized treatment plan. We offer effective, non-invasive solutions designed for fast relief and long-term foot health.
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Step 3: Watch them regain confidence and mobility. No more pain holding them back—just happy, active steps forward.
Schedule an appointment today and help your child move comfortably again.
Curious about how we’ve helped other families? Read real success stories from our patients on our testimonials page.
