Is my child’s foot pain just growing pains, or should I get it checked?

It’s a question many parents ask. Your child complains of sore feet or legs at night, but by morning they’re back to running around as if nothing happened. So how do you know if it’s just growing pains, or something that needs attention?

When it’s likely to be growing pains

Growing pains are common and usually harmless although they can cause discomfort. They tend to:

• Occur in the evening or at night
• Affect both legs, not just one foot
• Settle by the next day
• Not interfere with sport or daily activity

This pattern is generally reassuring and mild growing pains don’t usually require treatment.

When it might be something more

When lower leg pain doesn’t always follow the above pattern. it’s worth seeing our Melbourne children’s podiatrist if your child has:

• Pain in one foot or a specific area
• A limp or change in walking
• Pain that gets worse with sport or activity
• Symptoms that persist for more than a few weeks

These signs often point to an underlying foot issue rather than just mild growing pains.

What our podiatrists commonly see in clinic

At our Camberwell podiatry clinic, children with ongoing foot pain are often dealing with:

• Heel pain, including conditions like Sever’s disease
• Foot posture or biomechanical issues
• Strain from sport, footwear, or rapid growth

Our Melbourne podiatrists regularly provide heel pain treatment and Sever’s disease treatment, helping children return to activity without ongoing discomfort.

Why it’s important to get your child checked early by a podiatrist

Children’s feet change quickly as they grow. If a foot issue is affecting how your child walks or runs, it can lead to:

• Ongoing pain
• Compensation in the legs
• Reduced participation in sport

Addressing the problem early is usually much simpler than waiting. In many cases, early treatment can prevent a short-term issue from becoming something that lingers into the teenage years or adulthood.

How our podiatrists treat children’s foot pain

Treatment for children’s foot pain always depends on the cause of the pain, but the goal is the same: reduce discomfort, support healthy development, and keep your child active.

At our Camberwell foot clinic, treatment may include:

• A thorough assessment of foot posture, walking, and movement – known as a gait analysis
• Advice on appropriate footwear for your child’s foot function and activity type
• Activity modification to allow irritated areas to settle
• Stretching or strengthening exercises
• Supportive options such as prefabricated insoles or custom orthotics

If your child’s pain is one-sided, ongoing, or affecting activity, it’s unlikely to be something they will simply grow out of.

Our Melbourne Podiatrists can assess your child’s foot pain, provide clear answers, and recommend appropriate treatment if needed.