Parents spend a lot of time thinking about their children’s health—nutrition, sleep, school performance, sports, and development. But one area that often gets overlooked is foot health.
Kids are incredibly active. Running, jumping, climbing, and playing sports all place stress on growing feet. Because children’s bones, tendons, and ligaments are still developing, problems that start small can sometimes become bigger issues if they are ignored.
Many parents assume kids will simply “grow out of” foot problems. Sometimes that’s true—but not always.
Understanding when a child should see a podiatrist can help prevent pain, avoid long-term problems, and keep kids active in the activities they love.
At New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute, we frequently see children from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, and surrounding communities for issues such as:
- Flat feet
- Heel pain and Sever’s disease
- Ingrown toenails
- Plantar warts
- Sports injuries
- Early bunions in teens
The goal of this guide is simple: help parents understand what’s normal in childhood foot development—and when it’s time to see a specialist.
Understanding How Children’s Feet Develop
Children’s feet change dramatically as they grow.
At birth, a baby’s foot contains mostly soft cartilage, which gradually develops into bone during childhood. The arches of the feet also develop over time.
Because of this process, some things that look concerning to parents may actually be completely normal at certain ages.
However, other issues—especially when accompanied by pain, limping, or changes in activity levels—should be evaluated by a foot specialist.
Let’s look at what foot care typically looks like at different ages.
Foot Care by Age: What’s Normal and What Isn’t
Infants (0–1 Year)
During infancy, foot concerns are usually related to developmental positioning or congenital conditions.
Common concerns include:
- Curled toes
- Flexible foot positioning
- Metatarsus adductus (inward-curving foot)
Most of these resolve naturally as the baby begins to move and grow. Because babies are not yet walking, true foot pain is extremely uncommon.
Parents should seek evaluation if they notice:
- A rigid foot that cannot be straightened
- Significant asymmetry between the feet
- Difficulty moving the foot normally
Fortunately, these issues are relatively rare.
Toddlers (1–3 Years)
Once toddlers begin walking, parents sometimes notice that their child appears to have very flat feet.
This is usually normal.
Young children have a fat pad in the arch area that makes their feet appear flat even when the arch is developing normally.
Occasionally parents notice:
- Toe walking
- In-toeing or out-toeing
- Frequent tripping
Most mild cases improve naturally with growth.
However, persistent toe walking, stiffness, or difficulty keeping up with other children should be evaluated.
School-Age Children (4–12 Years)
This is the age range when we begin to see most pediatric foot problems.
Children are increasingly active in sports, running, and playground activities. Their bones are still developing, which makes them susceptible to certain overuse injuries.
Common issues include:
- Flat feet
- Heel pain (Sever’s disease)
- Sports injuries
- Plantar warts
- Ingrown toenails
Because these problems can interfere with activity and development, early treatment can make a significant difference.
Teenagers (13–18 Years)
Teenagers often experience sports-related injuries and structural problems.
At this age we commonly see:
- Ingrown toenails
- Heel pain
- Sports injuries
- Fungal nails
- Early bunions
Because teens are often involved in competitive athletics, untreated foot pain can affect performance and long-term foot health.
7 Signs Your Child Should See a Foot Specialist
Parents often ask a simple question:
“How do I know when it’s time to see a podiatrist?”
Here are seven signs that it may be time for an evaluation.
1. Your Child Complains of Foot Pain
Pain is never normal in growing children.
If a child complains of pain in the:
- Heel
- Arch
- Toes
- Ankle
…it should be evaluated, especially if it persists more than a few days.
2. Your Child Stops Participating in Activities
Kids rarely sit out sports or play unless something hurts.
If your child begins avoiding:
- Running
- Sports
- Physical education
- Playing outside
…foot pain may be the reason.
3. Limping or Walking Differently
A limp is a clear sign something isn’t right.
Even subtle changes in walking can indicate:
- Growth plate irritation
- Tendon problems
- Structural issues
4. Frequent Heel Pain
Heel pain in children is very commonly caused by Sever’s disease, a growth plate irritation that occurs during rapid growth.
This is especially common in children who play sports such as:
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Football
- Track
Early treatment can significantly reduce pain and allow kids to stay active.
5. Flat Feet Causing Pain or Fatigue
Flat feet are common in children.
However, when flat feet cause:
- Foot pain
- Leg fatigue
- Difficulty keeping up with peers
…supportive treatment may be helpful.
6. Recurrent Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown nails can be very painful for children and teens.
They often occur due to:
- Tight shoes
- Improper nail trimming
- Athletic activity
Fortunately, treatment is usually quick and highly effective.
7. Warts That Won’t Go Away
Plantar warts are caused by a virus and can spread easily among children.
Over-the-counter treatments often fail because they don’t penetrate deeply enough.
Professional treatment can eliminate warts much more effectively.
Common Pediatric Foot Problems We Treat
At New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute, several conditions are especially common among children in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, and surrounding areas.
Flat Feet in Children
When Flat Feet Are Normal
Many children appear flat-footed early in life.
This is usually due to:
- Natural ligament flexibility
- Developing muscles
- The fat pad in the arch area
Most children develop arches naturally by age 8–10.
When Flat Feet Need Treatment
Flat feet may require treatment if they cause:
- Pain in the arch or heel
- Fatigue during activity
- Difficulty with sports
- Poor balance
Treatment Options
Treatment may include:
- Supportive footwear
- Stretching programs
- Activity modifications
- Custom orthotics
- Non-custom supportive orthotics
Orthotics can significantly improve comfort and stability for active children.
Heel Pain in Kids (Sever’s Disease)
One of the most common reasons children see a podiatrist is heel pain.
The most common cause is Sever’s disease, a condition involving irritation of the growth plate in the heel.
It often occurs during rapid growth phases between ages 8–14.
Symptoms of Sever’s Disease
Children with Sever’s disease may experience:
- Pain at the back or bottom of the heel
- Pain during sports
- Limping after activity
- Tenderness when the heel is squeezed
Treatment Options
Most cases respond well to conservative care such as:
- Rest and activity modification
- Heel cups or orthotics
- Stretching programs
- Supportive shoes
- Anti-inflammatory strategies
In persistent cases, additional treatments may be considered.
At our clinic we focus on helping young athletes return to activity safely without unnecessary downtime.
Ingrown Toenails in Kids and Teens
Ingrown nails are extremely common in teenagers and active children.
They occur when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin.
Symptoms
Signs of an ingrown toenail include:
- Pain along the nail border
- Redness and swelling
- Drainage or infection
- Difficulty wearing shoes
Treatment Options
Many parents try to treat ingrown nails at home, but repeated infections often require professional treatment.
In-office treatments may include:
- Nail trimming techniques
- Removal of the ingrown portion of the nail
- Permanent correction procedures when needed
These procedures are quick and typically provide lasting relief.
Plantar Warts in Children
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are extremely common in children.
They often appear as rough, painful lesions on the bottom of the foot.
Why Warts Can Be Hard to Treat
Warts grow inward due to pressure from walking.
Because of this, many over-the-counter treatments fail to reach the deeper portion of the wart.
Professional Wart Treatments
At New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute we offer several effective treatment options including:
- Targeted wart therapies
- Advanced removal techniques
- Treatments designed to minimize recurrence
Early treatment can prevent warts from spreading.
Sports Injuries in Young Athletes
As youth sports participation continues to grow, so do foot and ankle injuries in children.
Common issues include:
- Tendinitis
- Stress injuries
- Ankle sprains
- Growth plate irritation
Early evaluation can help prevent minor injuries from becoming long-term problems.
Orthotics for Growing Feet
Orthotics are one of the most effective tools for managing pediatric foot pain.
They can help:
- Support developing arches
- Improve foot alignment
- Reduce strain on tendons and joints
- Improve comfort during sports
At our clinic we evaluate whether custom orthotics or non-custom supportive devices are most appropriate for each child.
Not every child needs custom orthotics—but when they are appropriate, they can significantly improve comfort and function.
Advanced Treatment Options
Although most pediatric conditions respond well to conservative care, advanced therapies are sometimes helpful.
These may include:
- MLS laser therapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Targeted regenerative treatments
These therapies are used selectively in children but can be helpful in certain stubborn conditions.
Bunions in Teenagers
Many people assume bunions only occur in adults.
However, bunions can develop during adolescence, particularly in teens with a family history of the condition.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain at the big toe joint
- Difficulty fitting shoes
- Progressive toe deviation
When conservative treatments are no longer effective, minimally invasive bunion surgery may be considered for select patients.
Modern minimally invasive techniques allow correction through very small incisions with faster recovery compared to traditional procedures.
Choosing the Right Shoes for Kids
One of the simplest ways to support healthy feet is choosing proper footwear.
Parents should look for shoes that:
- Fit properly with room in the toe box
- Provide good arch support
- Have a stable heel counter
- Are appropriate for the child’s activity level
Shoes that are too tight or poorly supportive can contribute to foot problems.
Helping Kids Stay Active and Pain-Free
Children should be able to run, play, and participate in sports without foot pain.
When problems are identified early, treatment is often simple and highly effective.
Ignoring symptoms, however, can allow minor issues to become more serious over time.
When to Seek Care from a Pediatric Foot Specialist
If your child is experiencing:
- Persistent foot pain
- Heel pain during sports
- Recurring ingrown nails
- Warts that won’t go away
- Difficulty keeping up with peers
…it may be time to consult a specialist.
Compassionate Pediatric Foot Care in Albuquerque
At New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute, our team provides comprehensive care for children and teens with foot and ankle problems.
We treat patients from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, and surrounding New Mexico communities.
Our goal is simple: help children stay active, healthy, and pain-free.
We offer treatment for:
- Flat feet in children
- Heel pain and Sever’s disease
- Ingrown toenails
- Pediatric plantar warts
- Sports injuries
- Orthotic therapy
- Teen bunions and minimally invasive correction
Schedule an Evaluation for Your Child
If your child is experiencing foot pain or difficulty with activity, a professional evaluation can provide answers and relief.
Early treatment can prevent small issues from becoming larger problems.
Schedule an appointment with the team at New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute today and help your child stay active and pain-free.
Your child’s feet support everything they do—make sure they’re getting the care they deserve.
Parent FAQ: Pediatric Foot Care
Are flat feet normal in kids?
Yes. Many children have flat feet during early childhood. Treatment is only necessary if the condition causes pain or functional problems or is more severe. Having an evaluation can always help to know if it is normal or if it is something that can be treated early.
What causes heel pain in children?
The most common cause is Sever’s disease, a growth plate irritation associated with sports and rapid growth.
Do kids really need orthotics?
Not always. Orthotics are recommended when a child experiences pain, instability, or biomechanical problems. Although some flat feet are normal, excessive flat feet can be treated successfully with orthotics if used early on.
Are plantar warts contagious?
Yes. The virus that causes warts can spread through direct contact or shared surfaces such as locker rooms.
When should ingrown toenails be treated?
If an ingrown nail causes pain, swelling, or infection, professional treatment is recommended.
