Foot Pain in Kids: When Should You Worry?

By Benjamin Bishop17 June 2026
minutes

Kids get sore feet, especially when they’re active. Most of the time it’s nothing serious and settles on its own.

But there are a few patterns that are worth paying closer attention to.

If pain keeps coming up in the same spot, if they start avoiding activity, or if there’s a noticeable limp, it’s usually not something to ignore.

Heel pain is one of the more common complaints, particularly in active kids. It often shows up during or after sport and can gradually start to affect how they move if it’s left alone.

What’s just as important is looking beyond pain itself.

Sometimes the signs are more subtle.

You might notice your child walking on their toes more than expected, or their feet turning in when they walk or run. These patterns, often referred to as toe walking or intoeing, can be part of normal development, but in some cases they can place extra strain on the feet and legs.

Trips and falls can also be a sign. All kids trip occasionally, but if it’s happening more than their peers, or becoming a pattern, it’s worth taking a closer look.

Pain isn’t always limited to the feet either. Knee pain is quite common in growing children and can sometimes be linked to how the feet and legs are functioning.

That’s why it’s important to look at the bigger picture rather than focusing on one area.

The good news is that most of these issues are straightforward to manage when picked up early.

Often it’s a matter of understanding how your child is moving and making simple adjustments to support them as they grow.

If your child is regularly complaining of sore feet, tripping more than expected, or you’ve noticed changes in how they walk, it’s completely reasonable to get it checked. We’re always happy to take a look at Riverstone Foot & Ankle Care.

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