Kids' feet develop quickly, and a lot of what looks unusual to parents — flat feet, toes that point inward, the occasional complaint of heel pain — is a completely normal part of growth. But some foot problems in children do need attention, and knowing the difference helps you decide when to simply keep an eye on things versus when to see a podiatrist.
Because kids often can't clearly describe what's bothering them, and their feet change so much between toddlerhood and the teenage years, it helps to know what's common at each stage. Here's a look at the foot problems we see most often in young patients.
Flat feet
Nearly all toddlers have flat feet, and for most kids, an arch develops naturally by age 6-8 as the ligaments and muscles in the foot mature. Flat feet that persist beyond this age are common too, and many children with flat feet have no symptoms at all. Flat feet only need evaluation if they cause pain, unusual fatigue during activity, or visibly affect the way your child walks or runs.
In-toeing and out-toeing
In-toeing (walking with the feet turned inward) and out-toeing (feet turned outward) are common in young children and typically stem from how the bones in the legs and feet are rotated as they grow. Most cases resolve on their own with time. It's worth having it evaluated if it's severe, only affects one side, causes frequent tripping, or hasn't improved by the early school years.
Heel pain in active kids (Sever's disease)
Growing, athletic kids sometimes develop heel pain from a condition called Sever's disease — irritation at the growth plate in the heel bone caused by repetitive stress from running and jumping sports. It's not a true disease but an overuse issue, and it usually improves with rest, stretching, activity modification, and supportive shoes while the growth plate finishes maturing.
Ingrown toenails
Kids are prone to ingrown toenails, often from tight shoes, socks, or nails that are cut too short or rounded instead of straight across. Mild cases can often be managed at home with warm soaks and proper trimming. See a podiatrist if the toe becomes red, swollen, painful, or starts draining, since this can indicate infection that needs treatment.
Warts and skin conditions
Plantar warts, caused by a common virus, are frequent in kids and teens, especially those who go barefoot around pools, locker rooms, or gyms. They can be persistent and sometimes need in-office treatment if they don't respond to home care or if they're causing pain with walking.
Getting the right shoe fit
Kids' feet grow quickly — sometimes multiple shoe sizes in a single year — and shoes that are too small or too narrow can contribute to ingrown nails, blisters, and discomfort. Have your child's feet measured regularly, choose shoes with room to grow but that still support the foot properly, and don't rely on hand-me-downs if the fit isn't close to correct.
When to see a podiatrist
Bring your child in if they complain of persistent foot or leg pain, avoid activities because of discomfort, walk or run in a way that seems unusual, or if you notice swelling, redness, or a visible foot deformity. Early evaluation often makes treatment simpler and helps rule out anything that needs more than time to resolve. You can request an appointment at either of our Northern Utah offices.
Medically reviewed by the physicians at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatrists provide foot and ankle care in Farmington and South Ogden, Utah. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.