Children are active. Running, jumping, practicing sports, and playing with friends can all lead to occasional aches and soreness.
But when a child repeatedly complains that their feet, heels, or ankles hurt after activity, parents often wonder:
“Is this just growing pains, or is something actually wrong?”
Persistent or activity-related foot pain shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as growing pains.
Growing Pains Don’t Explain Everything
Classic growing pains generally cause aching discomfort in the legs and occur most often in the evening or at night.
Pain that is consistently located in one specific area—particularly when it occurs during or immediately after physical activity—may have another cause.
A child’s foot and ankle pain can be related to their bones, growth plates, tendons, muscles, joints, or the way their feet function.
Common Causes of Pediatric Foot and Heel Pain
Sever’s Disease
One of the most common causes of heel pain in active children is calcaneal apophysitis, commonly known as Sever’s disease.
It occurs at the growth plate of the heel and is particularly common in physically active children.
Symptoms often include:
- Heel pain after running or jumping
- Pain during sports
- Tenderness at the back or bottom of the heel
- Symptoms that improve with rest
Despite its name, Sever’s disease is not actually a disease or infection. It is a growth-related condition.
Overuse Injuries
Children who suddenly increase their activity level may develop pain from repetitive stress.
This can happen when a child:
- Starts a new sport
- Joins a competitive team
- Increases practice frequency
- Begins running regularly
- Participates in multiple sports simultaneously
Increasing activity gradually can help reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are extremely common in young athletes.
A child may continue playing despite a mild injury, but repeated sprains can lead to ongoing instability and recurrent problems.
Stress Injuries
Repetitive impact can occasionally result in a stress injury to a bone.
Persistent, localized pain that worsens with activity should be evaluated rather than repeatedly pushed through.
What About Their Shoes?
Footwear can play a significant role in pediatric sports injuries.
Children should have athletic shoes that:
- Fit properly
- Have adequate room in the toe box
- Are appropriate for their activity
- Aren’t excessively worn
- Provide appropriate support and traction
Remember that children can outgrow shoes surprisingly quickly. Check their shoe size regularly, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
When Should You Take Your Child to a Podiatrist?
Consider an evaluation if your child has:
- Pain that repeatedly returns with sports
- Pain that causes them to limp
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain in one specific location
- Difficulty participating in normal activities
- Recurrent ankle sprains
- Pain that persists despite rest
- Pain that is getting progressively worse
A child shouldn’t have to routinely push through significant pain to participate in sports.
Keep Kids Active—But Listen to Their Feet
Physical activity is incredibly important for children’s health, strength, coordination, and confidence.
The goal isn’t to prevent children from being active.
The goal is to identify injuries early and help children stay active safely.
If your child consistently says, “My feet hurt after practice,” don’t automatically assume they’re just growing.
The Bottom Line
Some soreness after a busy day is normal. Persistent, localized, or activity-limiting pain deserves more attention.
Healthy feet help kids run, jump, play, and participate in the activities they love.
If your child’s foot or ankle pain keeps coming back, a pediatric podiatry evaluation can help identify the cause and determine whether treatment is needed.