Children are active individuals. As a result of running, jumping, climbing, skipping, playing and exploring, children may complain of foot and leg pain from time to time. According to Seattle's Children's Hospital, up to 50 percent of injuries seen in pediatric sports medicine facilities are related to overuse. However, there are a number of causes of foot and leg pain in children not related to overuse.
Muscle Problems
Muscle cramps and strained muscles are common causes of leg pain in children. According to Seattle's Children's Hospital, muscle cramps --- or spasms --- are brief and usually last one to 15 minutes. Cramps usually occur in the foot or calf muscles and often occur during sleep or while a child is physically active. Muscle cramps will go away on their own, but do respond well to water and salt. Strained muscles are sources of continuous pain that a child experiences that can last hours or days. Usually occurring in the legs --- or arms --- strained muscles are often the result of strenuous active or using sore muscles. Strained muscles respond well to rest, ice and elevating the affected leg.
Growing Pains
Growing pains are another cause of leg pain in children. Seattle Children's Hospital indicates that 10 percent of healthy children will experience growing pains. Growing pains are harmful and intermittent pains that children experience. While commonly referred to as growing pains, growing pains have nothing to do with your child growing. Growing pains can be treated with rest when your child is experiencing pain. Children will eventually outgrow growing pains.
Flat Feet
Flat feet is a common condition that occurs in children. Flat feet can be painless in some children but cause pain in other children --- especially older children and children who are overweight. Flat feet occurs when a child never fully develops an arch in his foot. According to KidsHealth, babies are born with flat feet and develop arches as they grow. Flat feet should not interfere with sports or daily activities. If children experience pain with flat feet, arch supports or physical therapy may be used to help alleviate pain.
Other Causes of Pain
There are a variety of reasons why your child may experience foot or leg pain. Pain that persists longer than three days or traumatic injuries should be examined by a physician. Pain can be the result of fractures, tendinitis, strains, sprains, stress fractures, infections, toe-walking, club feet, knock-knees, bowlegs, and ingrown toenails. Children may also have a condition known as Sever's disease that causes pain the heel. Leg pain in children can sometimes be the result of tumors or cancers.
