Home / Children’s Feet / Alert Symptoms Children’s Feet: Alert Symptoms If your child is limping , walking on the outer edge of the foot , or has new swelling or muscle spasms around the foot/ankle, a podiatry assessment can help identify the cause and guide treatment.
Limping or Walking on the Side of the Foot Typical Symptoms Limping or walking on the outer side of the foot Swelling or redness near the inner ankle Possible Diagnosis Köhler’s disease — a temporary loss of blood supply to the navicular bone, causing pain. Children may walk on the outer foot to reduce discomfort.
Care Options Supportive orthotics to reduce pressure Short-term rest or immobilisation (CAM walker or plaster) in advanced cases Limping with Pain on the Outer Foot Typical Symptoms Pain or swelling along the outer edge of the foot.
Possible Diagnosis Iselin’s disease — irritation where a tendon attaches to the 5th metatarsal, usually in active children.
Care Options Usually settles with rest and activity modification Padding and orthotics to improve alignment and reduce irritation Muscle Spasms, Sudden Pain & Stiffness Typical Symptoms Muscle spasms and limping Sudden onset of persistent pain Stiffness around the ankle Possible Diagnosis Tarsal coalition — an abnormal connection between two foot bones that limits movement. Symptoms may not appear until later childhood.
Care Options Orthotics to support alignmentIce, modified activity and anti-inflammatories (as advised) Severe cases may need temporary immobilisation or surgical referral When to Seek Care Limping lasts more than 24–48 hours Pain wakes your child at night New swelling, redness or fever Your child refuses to bear weight Recurrent tripping, frequent sprains, or noticeable stiffness