Children’s Knee Pain Treatment at Feet First Podiatry Clinic
Knee pain is common in children and teenagers, especially during growth spurts or increased sports participation. While many cases are mild, ongoing knee pain can affect confidence, performance and enjoyment of activity. At Feet First Podiatry Clinic, we assess foot posture, gait pattern and lower-limb alignment to identify the cause and create a tailored, child-friendly treatment plan.
Why Parents Choose Us
- Specialist assessment of children’s lower limb mechanics
- Footscan® pressure and gait analysis
- Correct identification of growth-related knee pain
- Treatment for foot posture issues affecting the knees
- Orthotics and strengthening plans when appropriate
- Clear guidance and reassurance for parents
- Experience working with active children and young athletes
What We Treat
We help with all common causes of knee pain in children and teenagers, including:
- Growing pains
- Osgood–Schlatter disease (pain at the front of the knee/shin)
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Knee pain caused by flat feet or overpronation
- Knee pain linked to high arches
- Sports-related knee overload
- Pain during running, jumping or football
- Knee collapse or inward turning during movement
- Stiffness after activity or first thing in the morning
Suitable for active children, teenagers, footballers, gymnasts, dancers, runners and those going through rapid growth.
Causes and Diagnosis
Knee pain in children usually relates to:
- Growth plate irritation
- Rapid growth spurts
- Muscular imbalance
- Tight quads, hamstrings or calves
- Overpronation (feet rolling in)
- High-impact activity
- Poor movement patterns or fatigue
- Weak hip or glute muscles
- Sports-specific strain
During your child’s assessment we evaluate:
- Foot posture and arch control
- Gait pattern and Footscan® pressure distribution
- Hip, knee and ankle alignment
- Muscle strength and flexibility
- Training load and footwear
- Impact of growth phase
This helps identify whether symptoms are typical development-related pain or require targeted intervention.
How We Treat Knee Pain in Children
Strengthening & Mobility Exercises
We create child-friendly exercise plans focusing on:
- Hip and glute strength
- Quadriceps and hamstring control
- Calf and Achilles flexibility
- Better knee alignment during walking and sport
Custom Orthotics (When Needed)
Orthotics may be recommended when foot posture contributes to knee pain. They help:
- Improve alignment
- Reduce inward knee collapse (valgus)
- Support feet during activity
- Reduce strain on growing joints
Activity Guidance
We advise on:
- Training load management
- Rest strategies during flare-ups
- How to stay active safely
Footwear Advice
Recommendations for suitable:
- School shoes
- Trainers
- Football/rugby boots
- Sports-specific footwear
Taping & Support
Short-term relief for active children returning to sport.
Education & Reassurance
We help parents and children understand:
- What is normal
- What needs monitoring
- How to support healthy development
- How to prevent future pain
Most knee pain in children is temporary — but early guidance helps prevent long-term issues.
What to Expect
Child-friendly consultation
Foot posture and knee alignment assessment
Footscan® pressure and gait analysis
Clear diagnosis and explanation
Strengthening and activity plan
Orthotics or footwear advice if needed
Follow-up as your child grows or increases activity
Most children improve within 2–6 weeks with the right approach.
When to Seek Help
Book an appointment if your child:
- Complains of persistent knee pain
- Struggles with running, sport or PE
- Limps or avoids activity
- Has knee pain after a growth spurt
- Has flat feet or inward knee movement
- Experiences swelling or sharp pain
- Has pain lasting longer than 1 week
- Has knee pain that keeps returning
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is knee pain in children normal?
Mild aches are common during growth, but persistent or activity-limiting pain should be assessed.
Can flat feet cause knee pain?
Yes — foot posture affects knee alignment and can lead to strain.
Do orthotics help knee pain?
They can — especially when overpronation contributes.
How long does recovery take?
Most cases improve within a few weeks with proper management.
Does my child need to stop sport?
Usually no; we modify activity levels rather than stopping activity completely.