Reminder: Children’s Feet Should Not Hurt

You hear the term “growing pains” quite often, but we’re here to tell you that it’s not okay for your child’s feet to hurt. If they do, it’s time for a visit to our office. The doctors at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC are hoping to continue this conversation and help parents know when children may be walking in pain.

Here are a few ways to know if your child is experiencing foot, ankle or heel pain:

Ask

It’s true — you know your child better than anyone, and this includes their likes and dislikes. If your child suddenly stops doing an activity that they love, such as running or dancing, ask them why. It’s possible that they have moved on to another hobby or discovered a new talent. There’s also a chance that this type of movement now causes pain that is irritated by certain activities.  

Look and listen

If your little one is too young to verbally communicate, pay attention to their non-verbal communication. If they choose to sit down while other friends are playing, double-check to see if their shoes fit properly. If your child says, “My feet hurt,” don’t shrug it off. They are telling you that walking is uncomfortable, and it’s important to take seriously how this can impact the continued development of their feet. 

Act

Don’t delay scheduling an appointment with our office. If your child is complaining of pain, we want to find the cause of the pain and treat it as soon as possible. It can be as simple as going up one size in shoes or taking advantage of custom orthotics. Delayed treatment can impact future development or recovery from injuries.  

Dr. David Sullivan and his team want to see your children pain-free and with healthy feet and ankles. If you call Westfield, IN, or the Hamilton County area home, we can answer any questions you may have about the potential warning signs of foot, ankle or heel pain. Schedule a visit with us today or call (317) 896-6655.