Supporting Healthy Feet & Active Kids
Understanding foot conditions in active children
As children grow and stay active—especially in sports—their feet and lower limbs go through tremendous changes. From flat feet and in-toeing to sudden heel pain after soccer practice, these issues are more common than many parents realise.
In Singapore, where kids are constantly on the move—whether it’s PE lessons, co-curricular sports, or weekend activities—early podiatric care can make all the difference. Left unchecked, minor foot misalignments can lead to long-term problems in posture, movement, and even academic concentration due to discomfort.
Let’s explore what every parent needs to know, from custom orthotics to sports injury prevention.
What kind of foot problems do active kids face?
Children are naturally active—running, jumping, and climbing from playgrounds to sports fields. But this activity can also lead to injuries or overuse conditions that affect the feet and lower limbs. Some may resolve on their own, while others may worsen without early podiatric attention. Here are some common conditions podiatrists see in young patients:
- Heel Pain
- Flat Feet
- In-Toeing / Out-Toeing
- Toe Walking
- Plantar Warts
- Ingrown Toenails
Why Are Foot Problems So Common in Active Kids?
Children who participate in sports are more likely to develop foot and lower limb issues due to a combination of growth-related changes, repetitive stress, and improper biomechanics.
1. Growth Spurts Affect Bones and Muscles
During rapid growth phases (often between 8–14 years), bones lengthen faster than muscles and tendons can adapt, leading to muscle tightness, reduced flexibility, and increased stress on growth plates. This makes children more prone to conditions like Sever’s Disease (heel pain) and toe walking.
2. Repetitive Motion from Sports
Running, jumping, pivoting, and sudden stops (common in sports like soccer, basketball, and gymnastics) place repeated stress on the feet and ankles.
Without proper support or rest, this can lead to overuse injuries like tendonitis, arch pain, or shin splints.
3. Improper Footwear
Many young athletes wear ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes during play, especially in school settings where footwear is often chosen for convenience or uniform rules, not performance. Poor footwear can exacerbate foot misalignments or fail to absorb impact, increasing injury risks.
The combination of high activity levels, growing bodies, and biomechanical stress is exactly why podiatric care is so valuable for sporty kids—not just for treatment, but for long-term injury prevention.
Why Children Require Podiatric Care?
Children may not always say when something feels “off”—but their feet can often tell a different story. While many parents assume podiatry is just for adults or elderly individuals, children’s feet are still developing, making early care essential to prevent long-term issues.
Here’s why podiatry matters for kids:
1. Their Feet Are Still Growing and Changing
Children’s bones, muscles, and joints are constantly evolving. Any imbalance—like flat feet, in-toeing, or poor walking patterns—can affect their:
- Posture and Balance
- Ability to Walk or Run Comfortably
- Long-term Musculoskeletal Development
2. Prevention is Easier than Correction
Catching issues early means:
- Less invasive treatments (e.g. exercises and insoles instead of surgery)
- Better results while the body is still growing
- Reduced risk of recurring pain or poor habits later in life
3. Active Kids are Prone to Injury
Children who play sports are especially at risk of overuse injuries like heel pain (Sever’s disease), ankle strain, or flat foot-related discomfort. Podiatrists help manage and prevent these through early intervention.
How can I choose the right sports shoes for my child?
The right pair of shoes can make all the difference—especially for growing kids who are active in sports. Wearing poorly fitted or unsupportive footwear can increase the risk of injury, pain, or poor performance.
Here’s what parents should look out for:
1. Choose Sport-Specific Shoes
Look for:
- Running Shoes with good heel cushioning and shock absorption
- Court shoes with Lateral Support
- Football Boots with firm studs and proper support for turf grip
2. Look for a Firm-Heel Counter
- Press the back of the shoe (there should be a firm structure that supports the heel)
- This keeps the foot aligned and reduces strain during side-to-side movement.
3. Replace Worn-Out Shoes
- Replace shoe every 6-12 months or if you notice:
- Uneven wear on the sole
- Loss of Cushioning
- Complaints of foot of leg pain after sports
How can podiatry help prevent sports injuries in children?
When it comes to keeping active kids injury-free, podiatry isn’t just about treating pain—it’s about preventing it before it starts.
1. Gait and Movement Assessments
- We will analyse how your child walks and runs to detect imbalances or inefficient movement patterns
- Early signs like overpronation (rolling inwards) or flat feet can increase stress on joints and lead to ankle, knee, or hip injuries.
2. Footwear Advice for Sport-Specific Needs
- Wearing the wrong shoes is a major cause of injury
- We will assess and recommend sport-specific, age-appropriate footwear based on your child’s foot type, activity level, and playing surface.
3. Custom Insoles for Extra Support
- Orthotics, also known as custom insoles, can correct poor foot posture, reduce impact, and improve alignment—especially for kids with flat feet, high arches, or joint hypermobility.
- Helps offload pressure during running and jumping, reducing injury risk.
4. Muscle Strengthening & Stretching Programme
- Kids often have tight calves, weak arches, or muscle imbalances—especially during growth spurts.
- We can prescribe targeted exercises to improve flexibility, coordination, and reduce strain on the lower limbs.
When should I take my child to a Podiatrist?
Consider bringing your child to a podiatrist if you notice:
- Foot, heel, ankle, or knee pain, especially after sports or PE
- Unusual walking patterns (in-toeing, tiptoeing or limping)
- Frequent tripping or clumsiness
- Flat feet or collapsed arches
- Skin or nail Issues
- Uneven shoe wear or rapid shoe breakdown
- Delayed recovery after physical activity
What to Expect at Your Child’s Podiatry Visit
1. Full Clinical Assessment
We’ll review your child’s walking pattern (gait), flexibility, posture, and muscle strength.
2. Video Gait & Foot Pressure Analysis
Advanced tools help us detect misalignments or pressure overloads during walking or running.
3. Customised Treatment Plan
Tailored solutions may include:
- Custom Insoles
- Stretching & Strengthening Exercises
- Sports Footwear Advice
- Bracing or Taping (where needed)
Why choose Physio and Sole Clinic
At Physio & Sole Clinic, we provide compassionate, child-focused care for every stage of growth—from first steps to teenage sports. Our experienced paediatric physiotherapists and podiatrists are here to support your child’s movement, comfort, and confidence.
Schedule a kid-friendly assessment here today and help your child move better, without pain.
