Foot pain is not uncommon in children. This is because the bones in a young child's feet are growing and evolving, making them susceptible to injury. Although playing sports often triggers foot pain, any jumping, running or even weight-bearing activities increase a young child's risk of developing foot pain.
Symptoms
Pain often occurs in one or both of a young child's feet. It is typically triggered by a new activity or sport in which a child's foot is used in a way it was not previously accustomed to. In some circumstances, pain will worsen or intensify when a child hops or runs. Besides pain, additional symptoms include redness, inflammation, tenderness and swelling.
Causes
Several circumstances trigger a child's foot pain, including a collision or impact with an object, ill-fitting shoes or stepping on a foreign object. In addition, conditions such as chronic regional pain syndrome or an infection of a young child's bone or joint result in foot pain. Fractures, which occur when pressure is placed on a young child's growing skeleton, cause foot pain. Alternatively, Sever's disease, a condition in which the growth plate in a child's heel suffers an injury, results in foot pain.
Treatment
Place ice against your child's injured foot for approximately 20 minutes and have him rest. With a doctor's approval, give your child ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and swelling. Do not allow your child to participate in any activities that cause or worsen foot pain until the injury heals. Serious injuries, such as a stress fracture, require medical treatment. A doctor may immobilize the foot with a cast or splint and possibly repair the injury surgically.
Considerations
Because a young child's feet grow extremely fast, she must always wear shoes that fit properly and allow the bones in her feet to grow straight. Ill-fitting socks or tight shoes can prevent your child's feet from growing correctly. Choose shoes that fasten with a buckle, Velcro or laces because they keep the heel of your child's foot in place and prevent her feet from sliding forward in her shoe.
