Children's Foot Care & Growth Tips | Foot & Ankle Centers

Healthy feet start young—and caring for your child’s feet early on can make a lifelong difference. From learning to walk to participating in sports and other activities, children rely on their feet for balance, coordination, and mobility. Paying attention to early signs of discomfort or structural issues can help prevent long-term problems and support healthy development.

Why Children’s Foot Health Matters

Children’s feet are still developing through adolescence, so early habits, footwear, and posture can greatly influence how they walk and move. Because growth happens quickly, even small changes can cause pain or misalignment—making regular check-ins with a pediatric foot specialist important for healthy development.

Common Pediatric Foot Concerns

Many childhood foot issues are mild and temporary, but some conditions may require professional care. Here are a few of the most common:

• Flat feet: Common in young children as arches develop. If flat feet persist or cause pain, fatigue, or awkward walking, evaluation is recommended. Supportive shoes or custom orthotics can improve comfort and alignment.

• Toe-walking: Typical in toddlers learning balance, but if it continues past age two or three, it may indicate tight muscles or coordination issues. Early assessment helps ensure healthy gait development.

• Ingrown toenails: Often caused by tight shoes or improper trimming. If painful or infected, a simple in-office procedure can relieve pressure and promote healing.

• Heel pain (Sever’s disease): Frequent in active kids due to inflammation at the heel growth plate. Rest, stretching, and supportive footwear usually help, but persistent pain should be evaluated.

• Growth plate injuries: Since children’s bones are still developing, even minor sprains or fractures can affect growth. Ongoing pain, swelling, or limping after injury should always be checked by a podiatrist.

Foot & Ankle Centers has locations in Frisco, McKinney, and Little Elm making it easy to get fast effect treatment. 

Tips for Parents: Encouraging Healthy Foot Habits

Taking a proactive approach to foot care can help keep little feet strong and healthy. Here are simple steps parents can take:

At Foot & Ankle Centers, our podiatrists take the time to evaluate growth, alignment, and overall foot function. We help parents understand what’s normal and when intervention might be necessary to prevent future complications.

When to See a Pediatric Foot Specialist

You don’t need to wait for serious pain or injury to seek professional guidance. Schedule a visit if you notice:

• Frequent tripping or falling

• Uneven shoe wear or walking patterns

• Redness, swelling, or pain after activity

• Persistent flat feet or arch pain

• Toenail problems, such as recurring ingrown nails

At Foot & Ankle Centers, our experienced podiatrists provide thorough evaluations to identify the cause of your child’s symptoms and create a personalized care plan. From custom orthotics and gait assessments to treatment for growth plate injuries or nail conditions, we’re here to support healthy development and keep kids moving comfortably.

Supporting Your Child’s Foot Health for the Future

Healthy feet are the foundation for an active, confident life. By promoting good habits and seeking care early when needed, parents can help their children avoid long-term pain or limitations. Whether your child is taking their first steps or training for sports, proactive care ensures they can move comfortably and grow strong.

At Foot & Ankle Centers, Dr. Tavakoli, Dr. Knapp, and Dr. Treleven are dedicated to keeping your child’s feet healthy at every stage of development. With convenient locations in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, our team provides thorough pediatric evaluations, custom orthotics, and treatment for common conditions to help every child stay active and thrive