Growing Pains vs. Something More Serious: When Your Child’s Pain Needs a Podiatrist in Plano, TX

It is common for children to complain about aching legs, sore feet, or pain after a long day of running, jumping, sports, and play. Many parents hear the phrase “growing pains” and assume the discomfort is a normal part of childhood.

Sometimes, that is true.

But not every child’s foot, heel, ankle, or leg pain should be dismissed as growing pains.

Some pain is harmless and temporary. Other pain may be a sign of a sports injury, heel growth plate irritation, flat feet, tendon strain, inflammation, infection, or another condition that needs medical attention.

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Plano, TX, we evaluate children with foot and ankle pain to determine whether symptoms are part of normal childhood aches or something that needs treatment. The goal is simple: help kids stay active, protect growing feet, and give parents clear answers.

What Are Growing Pains?

Growing pains are common aches that usually affect children’s legs, often in the evening or at night. Despite the name, growing pains are not clearly caused by bones growing. Many experts believe they may be related to muscle fatigue, activity, flexibility, or pain sensitivity.

Mayo Clinic explains that growing pains usually involve an ache or throb in the legs, commonly in the front of the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. They often happen in the late afternoon, evening, or at night, and they may wake a child from sleep.

Growing pains are usually not located directly in the foot or ankle joint. They also should not cause swelling, redness, limping, or persistent pain during the day.

What Do Growing Pains Usually Feel Like?

Typical growing pains often have a recognizable pattern.

They may:

• Happen in the evening or at night
• Affect both legs
• Come and go
• Improve with massage, stretching, warmth, or comfort
• Be gone by morning
• Not interfere with normal walking or activity the next day
• Occur after a very active day
• Involve the thighs, calves, shins, or behind the knees

A child with true growing pains usually wakes up feeling normal. They should be able to walk, run, play, and participate in normal activities without limping.

That is one of the biggest clues.

If your child has pain at night but feels completely fine the next morning, growing pains may be possible. If your child wakes up still hurting, avoids walking, limps, or points to one specific painful spot, something else may be going on.

Why Parents Should Be Careful With the Phrase “Growing Pains”

“Growing pains” can be a reassuring phrase, but it can also delay diagnosis when pain is coming from a real foot or ankle condition.

Children are active. They run at recess, play soccer, jump during gymnastics, participate in dance, wear cleats, grow quickly, and sometimes push through pain because they do not want to stop playing. Their bones, tendons, growth plates, and muscles are still developing.

That means childhood foot and ankle pain can come from many sources, including:

• Overuse injuries
• Growth plate irritation
• Sports injuries
• Flat feet
• Sever’s disease
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tendonitis
• Ankle sprains
• Stress fractures
• Ingrown toenails
• Warts or skin irritation
• Inflammatory conditions
• Infection

A podiatrist can help determine whether pain is normal, activity-related, or a sign of an injury that needs treatment.

Signs It May Be Growing Pains

Your child’s discomfort may be more consistent with growing pains if:

• Pain happens mostly at night
• Pain is not in one exact joint or one exact spot
• Pain affects both legs
• There is no swelling, redness, warmth, or bruising
• Your child walks normally the next day
• Pain improves with massage
• Pain does not limit sports or play
• There was no specific injury
• Symptoms come and go rather than steadily worsen

Even then, parents should monitor the pattern. If symptoms change, become more frequent, or interfere with daily activity, it is worth getting checked.

Signs It May Be Something More Serious

Some symptoms are not typical of growing pains and should be evaluated.

Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a doctor when pain is persistent or worsening, present in only one leg, still there in the morning or during the day, bad enough to interfere with normal activities, located in the joints, related to injury, or accompanied by swelling, tenderness, fever, limping, rash, loss of appetite, weakness, or fatigue.

Cleveland Clinic similarly advises parents to contact a healthcare provider for unexplained pain and to seek care right away if a child has severe pain, a muscle lump, limping, redness with pain, dark-colored urine, or swelling that does not improve or worsens after 24 hours.

Call a provider or schedule an evaluation if your child has:

• Pain in only one foot or one leg
• Pain that happens during the day
• Pain that is still present in the morning
• Limping
• Swelling
• Redness or warmth
• Fever
• Pain after an injury
• Pain that gets worse over time
• Pain in a joint
• Heel pain during sports
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Night pain that becomes severe or frequent
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Pain that stops your child from playing
• A visible bump, bruise, wound, or deformity

These symptoms do not automatically mean something dangerous is happening, but they do mean the pain should not be brushed off.

Common Foot and Ankle Conditions Mistaken for Growing Pains

Many children who are told they have growing pains are actually dealing with a treatable foot or ankle condition.

1. Sever’s Disease: A Common Cause of Heel Pain in Active Kids

One of the most common causes of heel pain in children is Sever’s disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis.

This condition affects the growth plate in the heel. It is especially common in active children and young athletes, particularly during growth spurts.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes Sever’s disease as a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate and notes that treatment may include heel cushions, shoes with a slightly elevated heel, anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate, and stretching or strengthening exercises once pain improves.

Sever’s disease may cause:

• Heel pain during or after sports
• Limping
• Pain with running or jumping
• Pain when squeezing the heel
• Walking on tiptoes to avoid heel pressure
• Symptoms that improve with rest but return with activity

This is not the same as growing pains. It is an overuse condition involving the heel growth plate and often improves with proper treatment, activity modification, stretching, and footwear support.

2. Flat Feet

Flat feet are common in children, but they can sometimes contribute to pain.

Some children with flat feet have no symptoms. Others may experience:

• Arch pain
• Heel pain
• Ankle fatigue
• Leg tiredness
• Frequent tripping
• Difficulty with sports
• Shoes wearing unevenly
• Pain after long periods of walking or standing

Painful flat feet should be evaluated, especially if they affect activity. Treatment may include supportive shoes, stretching, physical therapy, or custom orthotics depending on the child’s symptoms and foot structure.

3. Ankle Sprains

Children may twist an ankle during sports, recess, dance, or play. Sometimes they keep walking on it, and parents assume the pain is minor.

An ankle sprain may cause:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain on the outside of the ankle
• Limping
• Difficulty running
• Instability
• Pain with side-to-side movement

Repeated ankle sprains should be evaluated. Untreated sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability, weakness, and future injuries.

4. Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is a small crack or irritation in the bone caused by repetitive impact. It can happen in active children and teens, especially those involved in running, soccer, basketball, dance, gymnastics, or intense training.

Stress fracture pain often:

• Starts gradually
• Worsens with activity
• Improves with rest
• Becomes more localized over time
• May cause swelling or tenderness
• Can eventually hurt even during normal walking

Unlike growing pains, stress fracture pain usually occurs in a specific spot and often gets worse when activity continues.

5. Tendonitis

Children and teens can develop tendon irritation from overuse, poor mechanics, tight muscles, or sudden increases in sports activity.

Tendonitis may affect:

• Achilles tendon
• Posterior tibial tendon
• Peroneal tendons
• Tendons on top of the foot

Symptoms may include pain with activity, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and discomfort during sports.

6. Plantar Fasciitis

Although plantar fasciitis is more commonly discussed in adults, children and teens can also develop heel or arch pain related to strain on the plantar fascia.

Symptoms may include:

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Pain with first steps
• Pain after sports
• Pain after prolonged standing
• Tight calves

A podiatrist can distinguish plantar fasciitis from Sever’s disease and other causes of pediatric heel pain.

7. Ingrown Toenails

Sometimes children complain of foot pain, but the issue is actually an ingrown toenail.

An ingrown toenail may cause:

• Pain along the side of the nail
• Redness
• Swelling
• Drainage
• Difficulty wearing shoes
• Pain during sports

Ingrown toenails are common in children and teens, especially with tight shoes, cleats, improper nail trimming, trauma, or genetics.

8. Warts, Calluses, or Skin Problems

Plantar warts can be painful when walking and may feel like stepping on a small pebble. Calluses and blisters can also cause children to limp or avoid activity.

These are not growing pains and can often be treated effectively by a podiatrist.

Sports, Growth Spurts, and Foot Pain

Children in Plano and surrounding North Texas communities are often involved in year-round sports. Soccer, basketball, dance, cheer, gymnastics, football, track, tennis, and club sports can all place repetitive stress on growing feet.

During growth spurts, bones may grow faster than muscles and tendons can adapt. This can create tightness, pulling, and increased stress on growth plates.

This is one reason heel pain, arch pain, and ankle pain may show up during active seasons.

Parents should be especially watchful when a child has recently:

• Started a new sport
• Increased training intensity
• Changed shoes or cleats
• Began running more
• Had a growth spurt
• Started complaining after practices or games
• Began limping after activity
• Avoids a sport they normally enjoy

Pain that consistently appears with sports should be evaluated rather than dismissed.

Questions Parents Can Ask at Home

Before your child’s appointment, it may help to track symptoms.

Ask:

• Where exactly does it hurt?
• Is the pain in one leg or both?
• Does it happen at night, during the day, or both?
• Does it hurt during sports?
• Is there pain in the morning?
• Is your child limping?
• Did an injury happen?
• Is there swelling, redness, or bruising?
• Does massage help?
• Does rest help?
• Are shoes or cleats making it worse?
• Has activity increased recently?

These answers can help your podiatrist identify patterns and possible causes.

What Parents Should Avoid

When a child complains of foot or leg pain, it can be tempting to wait and see. Sometimes that is reasonable for mild aches that clearly resolve by morning.

However, parents should avoid:

• Telling a child to “push through” persistent pain
• Ignoring limping
• Assuming all night pain is growing pains
• Continuing sports when pain worsens
• Using adult braces or inserts without guidance
• Cutting painful toenails at home if infected
• Waiting weeks when pain is localized to one spot
• Ignoring swelling or redness

Children may not always describe pain clearly, so changes in behavior matter too. If your child suddenly avoids running, asks to be carried, changes how they walk, or loses interest in sports, pain may be more significant than they can explain.

How a Podiatrist Evaluates Pediatric Foot and Ankle Pain

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Plano, TX, a pediatric foot and ankle evaluation may include:

• Medical history
• Activity and sports history
• Shoe evaluation
• Gait assessment
• Foot structure evaluation
• Range of motion testing
• Strength testing
• Checking for tenderness
• Evaluating swelling or skin changes
• Assessing growth-related concerns
• Imaging if needed

The goal is to determine whether the pain is related to normal activity, biomechanics, growth plate irritation, injury, inflammation, skin conditions, or another cause.

Treatment Options for Children’s Foot and Heel Pain

Treatment depends on the diagnosis, but many pediatric foot and ankle conditions improve with conservative care.

Possible treatment options include:

Rest and Activity Modification

For overuse injuries, temporary rest from painful activities may be necessary. This does not always mean complete inactivity. A child may be able to switch to lower-impact activities while symptoms improve.

Supportive Shoes

Children’s shoes should provide enough support, cushioning, and room for the toes. Worn-out shoes or cleats can contribute to pain.

A podiatrist may recommend shoes based on the child’s activity, foot type, and symptoms.

Heel Cups or Cushions

For heel pain conditions such as Sever’s disease, heel cups or cushions may help reduce impact and pressure.

AAOS notes that heel pads can help absorb impact and relieve stress on the heel and ankle in Sever’s disease.

Stretching

Tight calf muscles are common in active children and can contribute to heel pain, arch pain, and Achilles irritation.

A stretching plan may focus on:

• Calves
• Achilles tendon
• Hamstrings
• Plantar fascia
• Foot and ankle mobility

Custom Orthotics

If foot mechanics are contributing to pain, custom orthotics may help support the arch, improve alignment, and reduce abnormal stress on the foot and ankle.

Orthotics may be helpful for some children with painful flat feet, recurrent heel pain, overpronation, or sports-related symptoms.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy may help improve flexibility, strength, balance, coordination, and return-to-sport readiness.

Anti-Inflammatory Care

In some cases, age-appropriate anti-inflammatory medication may be recommended, but only when appropriate for the child and under proper guidance from a healthcare provider.

Immobilization

If pain is more severe or there is concern for certain injuries, a walking boot or other immobilization may be recommended for a period of time.

When Foot Pain Requires Prompt Care

Seek prompt medical evaluation if your child has:

• Inability to bear weight
• Severe pain
• Significant swelling
• Redness and warmth
• Fever
• Open wound
• Drainage
• Pain after a major injury
• Numbness or weakness
• Rapidly worsening symptoms
• Pain with a visible deformity

These symptoms need timely attention.

Helping Kids Return to Sports Safely

One of the biggest challenges with pediatric foot pain is helping kids return to activity safely. Children often want to get back to sports as soon as pain improves, but returning too quickly can cause symptoms to flare.

A safe return-to-sport plan may include:

• Pain-free walking first
• Gradual increase in activity
• Stretching and strengthening
• Supportive footwear
• Orthotics if recommended
• Avoiding sudden jumps in training
• Monitoring symptoms after practice
• Follow-up evaluation if pain returns

The goal is not only to relieve pain, but to prevent the same issue from coming back.

Pediatric Foot and Ankle Care in Plano, TX

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we understand how concerning it can be when your child complains of foot, heel, ankle, or leg pain. Parents want to know whether symptoms are normal or whether something more serious is happening.

We help families identify the cause of pain and create treatment plans that fit the child’s age, activity level, foot structure, and goals.

We proudly serve families from Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Richardson, Murphy, Parker, Wylie, and surrounding North Texas communities.

Final Thoughts: Growing Pains or Something More Serious?

Growing pains are usually harmless, temporary aches that happen at night and resolve by morning. They typically do not cause limping, swelling, redness, joint pain, or daytime symptoms.

Pain may be something more serious if it is persistent, worsening, located in one foot or one leg, present during the day, still there in the morning, related to an injury, or associated with limping, swelling, redness, fever, weakness, or reduced activity.

When in doubt, it is better to have your child evaluated.

If your child is dealing with foot, heel, ankle, or leg pain, schedule an appointment at Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Plano today and let our team help determine whether it is growing pains or something that needs treatment.