If your toddler has pain in his feet in the mornings that causes him to shuffle when he walks, you likely want to discover what is causing it so you can help him. There are several reasons why your toddler might be experiencing pain and shuffling his feet. Once you know the potential causes, you can work with your toddler's doctor to determine an appropriate course of treatment.
Injury
Mild injuries are common for toddlers as they learn to walk, run and otherwise move their bodies. Falls and tumbles are part of being a toddler, and even if they are not serious, they may have caused an injury you cannot see. If your toddler complains about foot pain in the morning and shuffles when he walks, he may have twisted his foot or ankle while playing the day before. He may also have a cut or sore on the bottom of his foot that you may not have noticed before. Other injuries, such as a stubbed toe, stress fracture, bruise or broken toe, may also cause pain the morning and shuffling when your toddler walks.
Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail occurs when your toddler's toenail grows into the skin of his toe. This causes swelling and redness and may also lead to a wound that leaks pus and bleeds. The most common reason ingrown toenails occur is if the nail is cut too short. Shoes that do not fit, injury and repeated use of the toe, such as when kicking a ball, can also lead to ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails can also cause pain, which is one reason why your toddler may be shuffling around when he gets up in the morning. Kids Health, a subsidiary of the Nemours Foundation Center for Children's Health Media, recommends that you take your toddler to see his pediatrician to remedy the situation to reduce the risks of infection.
Shape of Feet
The shape of your toddler's feet may also cause pain and shuffling. While most variations in foot shape do not cause problems and correct themselves over time, in some instances they can also cause pain and alterations in movement. Flat feet occur if your toddler's arch did not form as he grew. In some situations, flat feet can cause pain and increased clumsiness in your child. Pigeon toes, or turned-in toes, do not commonly cause problems, but in some instances they can lead to pain and changes in the way your toddler walks. Out-toeing, which also does not commonly cause problems, occurs when the toes point out and can cause pain due to the abnormal pressures placed on various parts of the foot. If you suspect any of these problems, make an appointment to have your toddler seen by his pediatrician.
Additional Causes
Improperly fitting shoes may cause blisters and pain that you notice when your child gets up in the morning. Take your little one to get his shoes fitted so you know exactly what size he needs. Corns, warts or bunions, while not common in toddlers, may also be causing the pain and changes in walking. Athlete's foot, also not common among toddlers, leads to pain and may change the way your toddler walks. An irritation in your toddler's arch, called plantar fasciitis, or juvenile arthritis are additional explanations.
