Growing feet need special care. Children often experience foot and ankle conditions related to growth, activity, sports participation and footwear. This page provides general information about common children’s podiatry concerns and outlines management options.
Children’s feet grow rapidly, and their bones, muscles and tendons develop at different rates. This can lead to temporary imbalances, discomfort or movement changes. Many childhood foot conditions are related to growth, activity levels, sports participation or footwear.
Common concerns include Sever’s disease, flat feet, in-toeing, growing pains, toe walking, ingrown toenails, sports injuries, heel pain, ankle sprains and forefoot pain. Early assessment helps identify contributing factors and discuss management options tailored to your child’s age, activity level and goals.
Children often respond well to orthotic therapy, strengthening, stretching, footwear changes and load modification.
Below are common foot and ankle conditions seen in children.
Many of these conditions respond well to orthotic therapy, especially when foot posture or load distribution contributes to symptoms.
Assessment focuses on growth stage, movement patterns, foot posture and activity levels.
Assesses age-related changes in bones, muscles and tendons.
Reviews walking patterns, foot posture and balance.
Considers training volume, surfaces and footwear.
Evaluates school shoes, sports shoes and casual footwear.
Considered only when further medical input is required.
Management is tailored to your child’s age, activity level, foot posture and goals.
May be considered to support growing feet, improve alignment and reduce overload.
Targets foot, ankle and lower‑limb stability.
May be discussed to improve flexibility and reduce tension on growing structures.
Guidance on school shoes, sports shoes and supportive casual footwear.
Adjusting activity levels to support recovery and reduce discomfort.
Helping parents understand growth-related changes and when to monitor symptoms.
Children’s foot conditions often respond well to orthotic therapy, especially when foot posture contributes to overload. Orthotics may be considered for Sever’s disease, flat feet, heel pain, ankle instability and forefoot discomfort.
Children’s foot and ankle concerns can progress if activity levels increase or footwear remains unsupportive. Early assessment helps identify growth‑related factors, movement patterns and load issues that may contribute to discomfort or reduced confidence in sport.
If your child also experiences heel pain, ankle sprains, ingrown toenails or plantar warts, these may be discussed during a consultation to provide a complete picture of their foot health.
We create a calm, supportive space to help children feel comfortable during assessment.
Management options are discussed using current clinical knowledge and growth-related considerations.
We help parents understand what is normal, what may need monitoring, and what can be supported.
For more information about related conditions, visit: Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, heel pain, ankle sprains, or explore all conditions.
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