Children's Foot Problems
Kids' feet are still developing, and not every oddity is a problem. Flat feet are normal until age 5-6. Mild in-toeing usually self-corrects. But some conditions benefit from early intervention — and a parent's instinct that something isn't right is worth checking.
Symptoms
- Complaints of foot or heel pain during or after activity
- Avoiding physical activity they used to enjoy
- Gait that looks unusual compared to peers
- One foot turning in or out more than the other
- Shoes wearing unevenly
- Frequent tripping or stumbling
Who Gets It
Children of all ages can develop foot problems, but certain conditions are age-specific. Flat feet are universal in toddlers and typically resolve by age 6. Sever's disease (growth plate heel pain) affects active kids ages 8-14 during growth spurts. Warts are common in school-age children who go barefoot on shared surfaces. In-toeing peaks in toddlers and early walkers, often resolving on its own.
Austin's active kids are on their feet constantly — at Barton Springs, Brushy Creek, school sports, and year-round activities in the mild climate. That activity load means foot problems that might otherwise go unnoticed can cause pain or limit participation. Dr. Wokasien has been treating children's foot conditions for 47 years.
Treatment
Dr. Wokasien evaluates the specific condition and recommends only what will actually help:
- Monitoring for developmental issues that typically self-resolve — when watchful waiting is the right call
- Custom orthotics for flat feet or alignment problems causing pain or gait abnormalities
- Heel cups or orthotics for Sever's disease to reduce growth plate stress
- In-office wart treatment when home treatment hasn't worked
- Ingrown toenail treatment — same-day relief in most cases
Dr. Wokasien explains what he sees to both you and your child, recommends treatment only when it will actually help, and doesn't push interventions that growing feet will resolve on their own.
When to Call
Bring your child in if they complain of foot or heel pain regularly, avoid physical activity they used to enjoy, their gait looks unusual compared to peers, you notice one foot turning in or out more than the other, or shoes wear unevenly. Call (512) 250-0444. Saturday mornings work well for school-age kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
My toddler has flat feet. Is that a problem?
Probably not yet. Flat feet are normal in children under 5-6 as arches are still developing. The fat pad under the arch makes feet look flat even when the structure is developing correctly. If your child isn't complaining of pain, tires at normal rates, and walks normally, there's likely nothing to address. An evaluation provides certainty.
What is Sever's disease?
Sever's disease is heel pain caused by inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel. It's common in active kids ages 8-14 during growth spurts, when the heel bone is growing faster than the Achilles tendon. The pain typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. It's not dangerous — it resolves as kids finish growing — but it can be managed to keep them active.
My child walks pigeon-toed. Should I be concerned?
In-toeing is common in toddlers and usually self-corrects by age 8 without any intervention. Persistent in-toeing beyond that, or in-toeing that causes tripping or seems to affect one side much more than the other, warrants evaluation. Special shoes and corrective devices are rarely needed. Dr. Wokasien can tell you whether what you're seeing is within normal developmental range.
At what age should I bring my child in for a first foot evaluation?
There's no required age. Come in when something concerns you — pain, unusual gait, or any condition that's not resolving on its own. If your child has a specific complaint, earlier is better. If you're simply curious about development, any age is fine. Dr. Wokasien explains findings clearly so you understand what's actually happening.
Can children get custom orthotics?
Yes — when they're needed. Dr. Wokasien prescribes orthotics for children when a condition is causing real symptoms that won't resolve on their own, not as a precaution or routine measure. Children's feet change quickly, so orthotics may need adjustment as they grow.
My daughter has heel pain during soccer season. What's causing it?
This is classic Sever's disease — growth plate inflammation that flares during high-activity periods. It's very common in active girls and boys ages 8-14. Heel cups, activity modification, and stretching manage it effectively. She doesn't need to stop playing. Dr. Wokasien has practical guidance for keeping kids active while the growth plate heals.
My son keeps getting ingrown toenails. Is there a permanent fix?
Yes. The same procedure used for adults — partial nail avulsion with matrixectomy — works well in children and permanently prevents the ingrown edge from regrowing. It's done in-office with local anesthesia. Dr. Wokasien explains the procedure to kids in terms that reduce anxiety, and most leave wondering what they were worried about.