Children often get bumps and bruises, but if they have foot pain, it’s usually best to take them to a foot doctor to get everything checked out. In many cases, they will be given treatment that prevents a condition from becoming worse. The following signs indicate your child may have a problem with their foot that warrants a doctor’s visit. 

When to See the Doctor for Foot Pain in Children

1. Redness Around One Nail 

Ingrown toenails affect children and adults, and the main symptoms are pain, redness, and swelling around one nail. The condition can be treated at home by soaking the foot in warm water twice a day, but it’s common for ingrown toenails to become infected. A foot doctor will treat the infection and help the area to heal more quickly. 

2. They Don’t Play Normally

If your little one usually enjoys physical activity and suddenly seems reluctant to join in, it could be a problem such as bunions or heel spurs. Children may not want to show you their feet because they want to hide the symptoms and avoid a trip to the doctor’s office. However, these conditions must be treated effectively. 

3. Sports Injuries

Foot doctors are specialists in treating sports injuries. They offer physical therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, casts, crutches, and outpatient surgery. Repetitive impact and wearing poorly fitting footwear while playing sports can lead to ingrown toenails or Sever's disease, which is when the growth plate in the heel becomes swollen or irritated.

4. Pain that Lasts Several Days

If your child is complaining of foot pain even though you can’t see signs of an injury or medical condition, it’s still possible that they need treatment. If the pain lasts more than a few days, take your little one to a foot doctor. If your child tells you they have stabbing pains, make an appointment with a doctor immediately.

When you need an experienced foot doctor to care for your child or anyone in your family, the friendly team at Deer Creek Foot Care in O' Fallon, MO, is on hand to help. Dr. Warren Trampe has 13 years of experience, specializing in everything from sports injuries to spurs and neuromas. The family-owned and -operated podiatry clinic is housed in a state-of-the-art facility that uses cutting-edge technology. Call (636) 240-1127 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more.