Back-to-School Foot Health: Warts, Sports Injuries & Growing Pains in Childrens’ Feet

Between summer camps, barefoot pool days, and the start of fall sports, late summer is often when parents in St. Catharines and across the Niagara region begin noticing foot concerns in their children.

At Orvitz Podiatry Clinic, we see children of all ages, and this time of year, three concerns tend to come up regularly. Here's what to watch for before the first day of school.

1. Plantar Warts After a Summer of Going Barefoot

Pool decks, locker rooms, and splash pads are common places where plantar warts can develop. These are small, rough growths that can appear on the sole of the foot.

What to look for:

•  A small, rough bump on the bottom of the foot
•  A spot with tiny dark dots
•  An area that feels a bit like walking on a small pebble

Why it matters: Plantar warts can sometimes spread or become uncomfortable enough to affect how a child walks or runs. They're a common and treatable concern, and having them looked at early can make the process more straightforward.

2. Growing Pains or Something More?

"Growing pains" is a phrase parents hear often, but ongoing heel pain in an active child is worth paying attention to. One common cause of heel pain in children roughly 8–14 years old involves the growth plate in the heel, which can be irritated by running, jumping, and sports activity.

What to look for:

•  Heel pain during or after running or jumping
•  Pain that increases with sports or activity
•  Discomfort that returns throughout an active day

Why it matters: With a new school and sports season starting, ongoing heel pain needs to be assessed rather than waiting to see if it resolves.

3. Sports Injuries and Overuse

From soccer to weeks of outdoor play, summer activity can put stress on growing feet. Sprains, discomfort, and shoes that no longer fit well are all common - children's feet can grow quickly over a summer break.

What to look for:

•  Limping or favouring one foot
•  Ongoing complaints of foot pain
•  Difficulty keeping up with usual activities
•  Shoes that suddenly feel tight

Why it matters: Children don't always describe foot pain clearly. Changes in how they walk or move are often the first sign worth noticing.

A Simple Back-to-School Foot Checklist

•  Check the bottoms of your child's feet for unusual bumps or rough patches.
•  Make sure school and sports shoes still fit properly.
•  Ask whether anything hurts during running, jumping, or gym class.
•  Take note of any recurring heel pain in an active child.
•  Watch for limping or changes in how your child walks.
•  Consider having anything that's "been there for a while" looked at.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a plantar wart contagious?

Plantar warts can potentially spread through direct contact or shared surfaces like pool decks and locker rooms, which is why they're common during summer.

When should I see a podiatrist for my child's heel pain?

If heel pain is ongoing, returns with activity, or hasn't improved with rest, it's worth having it assessed rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own.

Can my child still play sports with a plantar wart?

This depends on the size, location, and how much discomfort it's causing. A podiatrist can advise on activity level while it's being treated.

How can I tell if my child's shoes no longer fit properly?

Watch for redness at the toes, difficulty removing shoes, or your child mentioning tightness ,kids' feet can grow noticeably over a single summer.

Visiting Orvitz Podiatry Clinic in St. Catharines

If you've noticed a wart, a limp, or ongoing foot or heel pain, our team at Orvitz Podiatry Clinic is happy to take a look before the school year gets busy. We take a calm, gentle approach with young patients, and take the time to explain things clearly to both, children and parents.

Ready to have your child's feet checked before the new school year ? Book an appointment with Orvitz Podiatry Clinic.

This post is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult Orvitz Podiatry Clinic for guidance specific to your condition.