Child Complaining of Foot Pain? What Can You Do

Are your children always complaining about foot pain? Foot pain in kids is a concern many parents deal with and are unsure how to address. This post will detail what parents can do, what doctors might say, and showcase some of the best orthotic friendly shoes for children and kids on Orthotics Direct.

Foot pain in children is a common occurrence. Sometimes, children complaining of foot pain are only temporary and do not lead to anything serious. Despite this fact, you must get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

The active life that kids lead can leave them more vulnerable to certain types of foot pain or even ankle injuries in some cases. Bumps and bruises can be a common cause of toddler foot pain, but it’s still essential to examine your kids’ feet if they are complaining about pains to ensure that the issue is not the result of a more significant problem, like posture or gait.

Common Issues that Can Cause Foot Pain in Children and What You Can Do

If your child complains about foot problems or heel pain, and the problem is allowed to continue without a doctor’s diagnosis, it might take longer for the issue to heal once you start a treatment plan.

When you know your children’s foot issues, then you can easily spot problems before they start to affect your child’s mobility.

Calcaneal apophysitis (Sever’s disease)

According to American Family Physician, Sever’s disease is the most common cause of heel pain for children aged 5 to 11. This injury can happen from overuse and repetitive microtrauma during running or sports activities. Causes can include running or jumping, or in basketball, soccer or track athletes.

Young girls who like to jump rope will also be at risk for this injury. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the back of the heel or foot. Warmth and swelling can also occur.

Treatment for Sever’s disease includes icing, calf stretches, and pain medications like ibuprofen. Cushioned heel lifts can also temporarily help relieve pain. Symptoms will typically resolve within a few weeks, and your child can return to sports after three to six weeks.

Achilles tendinitis

Children can suffer from Achilles tendonitis, usually after a sudden increase in activity. It can be identified a few weeks into a new sports season, and the symptoms can include pain in the heel or back of the foot.

Symptoms include pain, swelling, warmth, and difficulty walking. Pain can start mild and then gradually get worse.

Treatment can include rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You could also use anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate pain and swelling. However, always consult a doctor or your child’s pediatrician before providing pain medication.

Flatfoot

Flatfoot is another common injury in young children. It is characterized by an arch’s disappearance when the child stands up, so the feet look flat. It usually occurs in both feet, and most children won’t experience symptoms from the condition. Those who do have symptoms, they might get cramping in the feet or legs while walking.

In nearly all cases, children will outgrow the disorder without treatment by the age of 5. You can relieve your child’s symptoms by providing supportive shoes and custom-made orthotics made for arch support.

The Best Orthotic Friendly Shoes for Children and Kids

Many parents struggle with finding the right shoes that are compatible with orthotics because of their limited flexibility and structure. Not only that, but it can be challenging to find shoes that fit your child properly and are easy to get on and off.

There are a few different shoe brands that have helped address these issues to accommodate orthotics for children. Here are a few of our favourite picks:

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 19 GS

These shoes are a great overall pick for kids orthotics because of their incredible fit, high performance and excellent support for those suffering from any type of foot pains. ASICS always provides room for toes, allowing children to use orthotics while being active with no problem.

Timberland Chillberg HP WP

Timberland boots are an excellent option for those of you who live in chillier climates. Timberlands always include firm arch support for kids, and their supports are removable, which makes using custom orthotics a breeze for your child.

Keen Chandler CNX

Keen shoes are great for children who are very active or involved in sports. They feature an anatomically shaped footbed, which provides superior arch support and a high level of comfort. Keen shoes feature removable shoe inserts for kids, which make them orthotic friendly.

Are you looking for the perfect orthotic solution for your children?

Children must wear orthotics that fit them properly and pair them with shoes that accommodate their orthotics without causing more discomfort or impeding their movements. A great way to do this is by purchasing an orthotic and shoe package through Orthotics Direct. Start shopping today.