If your child is complaining about foot or leg pain, it’s easy to brush it off as “growing pains.” But sometimes, that discomfort is actually a red flag for something more specific—like a foot condition that needs medical attention.
Children’s Foot Pain Is More Common Than You Think
Many parents are surprised to learn that some leg pain in kids actually starts in the feet. Conditions like flat feet, which are common in children, can lead to symptoms not just in the foot but also in the lower leg or knee. While many children with flat feet don’t have any issues, others may experience:
- Foot or leg cramping
- Pain or tenderness in the feet, ankles, or knees
- Limping
- Avoiding play, sports, or walking because their legs “get tired”
These signs are easy to dismiss—until they start affecting your child’s ability to stay active and pain-free.
Flat Feet in Kids: What’s Normal and What’s Not
Flat feet (aka fallen arches) are super common in children, especially toddlers. Most of the time, it’s no big deal. But if your child is having discomfort, it might be time to call in a foot and ankle specialist. A board-certified podiatric surgeon can evaluate whether your child’s symptoms are part of a normal development—or something more structural that needs support.
How We Diagnose Children’s Foot Problems
A proper foot evaluation includes a physical exam and, if needed, imaging like an X-ray or MRI to better understand the bones and alignment of the foot. It’s not just about what the foot looks like—it’s about how it functions.
Treatment Options: From Orthotics to Surgery (If Needed)
Depending on the cause of the pain, treatment may include:
- Custom orthotics or shoe inserts
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- In rare cases, surgery to correct structural abnormalities
Early intervention is key. The sooner we identify the root cause, the faster your child can get back to running, playing, and just being a kid again.
Expert Care Right Here in Joplin, MO
Dr. Shelly Sedberry, DPM, MS, FACFAS, is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. With extensive experience treating pediatric foot conditions, she can help get your child on the path to pain-free movement.
Is Your Child Limping or Avoiding Activity? Don’t Wait.
Foot pain in kids is not something they just “grow out of.” Book an appointment with a specialist who understands growing feet and growing kids. Early treatment makes all the difference.
Shoal Creek Foot & Ankle Center – Proudly serving Joplin, MO and surrounding areas
Shoal Creek Foot & Ankle Center 