Can children's shoes help with growing pain?

What are growing pains? They are a common type of discomfort that children between the ages of 3 to 12, experience in their legs. Despite the name, they are not directly linked to the physical process of growth. Instead, they are related to muscle fatigue or overuse. Kids typically do a lot of physical activities like running, jumping, walking. They occur in the evening or night and can often wake a child from sleep.

Can children shoes help ease this pain?

Yes, good quality children's shoes can definitely play a supportive role in easing the discomfort associated with growing pains. It is important to note that they aren’t a direct cure. Growing pains usually occur during periods of rapid growth, especially during childhood and adolescence. As we explained above, these pains are typically linked to muscle fatigue and stress and not specific foot problems. Still, wearing well-fitted shoes can make a big difference. They reduce strain on the muscles and offer much-needed support to growing feet and legs.

Below are some ways in which the right pair of shoes can help ease discomfort.

Proper Arch Support: Having shoes with solid arch support is key. Arch support helps to align the feet properly, which in turn ensures that the legs are in the right position as well. This alignment reduces unnecessary pressure and stress on the muscles and joints. Good arch support prevents the foot from overpronating (rolling inward) or supinating (rolling outward), keeping the body balanced.

Cushioning and Shock Absorption: Shoes equipped with cushioning in the soles provide comfort and help absorb shock. Every time a child runs or walks, their joints and muscles experience impact, and cushioning helps lessen this impact. This is especially important during periods of rapid growth when bones and muscles are more susceptible to fatigue. Shoes that offer ample shock absorption can effectively minimize the discomfort in the legs, helping reduce muscle soreness that may otherwise contribute to growing pains.

High arch orthopedic shoes: In certain cases, your child might need high arch orthotic shoes especially if a child has flat feet, high arches, or other structural concerns. These orthotic shoes offer extra support and help correct any irregularities in foot posture, which may help prevent or reduce muscle strain. By improving overall posture and alignment, orthotic shoes can contribute to better balance, lower stress on the legs, and help reduce the likelihood of muscle fatigue that leads to growing pains.

Flexibility and Fit: Shoes that are both flexible and properly fitted allow for natural movement of the foot. Tight or rigid shoes can restrict a child’s foot movement, increasing the chance of muscle fatigue or strain. On the other hand, shoes that are too loose can cause instability. Footwear that has the right combination of flexibility and fit provides adequate support without hindering movement, which is crucial for children who are always on the go.

Preventing Overuse Injuries: Children tend to be very active, and high levels of physical activity can lead to overuse injuries. Wearing the right shoes for specific activities, such as running shoes for sports, can help protect against these injuries. Overuse injuries, like shin splints, are often mistaken for or can contribute to growing pains. Ensuring that a child is wearing appropriate footwear for their activities can reduce the risk of these injuries and provide comfort, allowing the muscles and joints to recover and grow without additional stress.

Although proper shoes can certainly help reduce discomfort, it’s important to remember that growing pains are a normal part of childhood development. They’re typically not a cause for concern. However, if the pain becomes persistent, severe, or affects daily activities, parents should consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional. In addition to choosing the right footwear, other treatments like gentle stretches, massages, warm baths, or heating pads may also help alleviate the symptoms of growing pains. Consulting a pediatrician or podiatrist can provide more personalized recommendations and ensure that the child’s growth is progressing healthily.

Children's shoes with arch support help ease growing pains.

 

You can read more about growing pains here: Growing pains - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

 

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