“Is It Just Growing Pains?”

A Parent’s Guide to Decoding Foot Pain

As a parent, it’s hard to know when to worry.

Is it just a growth spurt? Is it their shoes? Or is it something more serious?

“Foot pain in children is a common concern, but it is rarely ‘normal’ to be in persistent pain,” says Dr. Elias Logothetis. “While some discomfort can be part of growth, consistent pain is usually a signal that the foot’s mechanics are struggling to keep up with the child’s activity level.”

To help you decide when to see a specialist, Prime Podiatry has decoded the top 5 causes of pediatric foot pain, moving beyond the medical terms to what you actually need to look for at home.

1. The “After Sports” Limp: Is It Sever’s Disease?

The Scenario: Your child plays soccer or basketball. They run fine during the game, but an hour later (or the next morning), they are limping and complaining that their heels hurt.

• What Dr. Logothetis Says: “This is the classic presentation of Sever’s Disease. It sounds scary, but it’s actually an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Between the ages of 8 and 14, the heel bone often grows faster than the Achilles tendon. This creates a ‘tug-of-war’ where the tight tendon pulls painfully on that open growth plate.”

What to Look For:

• Pain when squeezing the sides of the heel.
• Walking on toes to avoid heel pressure.
• Pain that is worse after activity, not during.

2. The “Collapsed” Arch: When Flat Feet Become a Problem

The Scenario: You notice your child’s feet look completely flat against the floor, or their ankles seem to roll inward (overpronation) when they stand.

• What Dr. Logothetis Says: “Flat feet are common, and many children outgrow them. However, we get concerned when the flat foot causes functional issues. If the arch doesn’t develop, the foot can’t absorb shock properly. This forces the legs and knees to work overtime.”

What to Look For:

• Complaints of “tired legs” or asking to be carried frequently.
• Pain in the arch, shin, or even the knees.
• Difficulty keeping up with peers during play.

3. The “Tiptoe” Walker: Habit or Warning Sign?

The Scenario: Your child walks on the balls of their feet, bouncing along without their heels touching the ground.

• What Dr. Logothetis Says: “For toddlers just learning to walk, this can be a normal phase. But if persistent toe-walking continues past age 3, it becomes a medical concern. It can indicate a physically tight Achilles tendon that prevents the heel from touching down, or in some cases, an underlying neuromuscular issue.”

When to Call Us:

• If your child is unable to stand flat-footed when asked.
• If they complain of calf pain or tightness.
• If they seem uncoordinated or trip frequently.

The Parent’s Rule of Thumb

If you are unsure, follow this rule:

Pain that changes how your child plays is pain that needs to be checked!

• “Early intervention is key,” advises Dr. Logothetis. “By addressing issues like flat feet or tight tendons while the child is still growing, we can often guide the foot’s development and prevent lifelong chronic pain.”

If your child is sitting on the sidelines, schedule an evaluation. We’ll figure out what’s going on, and if we need to, we’ll fix it!

For expert diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, trust the team at Prime Podiatry. Led by Dr. Elias Logothetis, our Pine Brook, NJ practice is equipped with cutting-edge solutions to ensure you receive the most effective care available. To learn more about your options and start your journey to recovery, contact our office to schedule an appointment.