Is Your Child Complaining About Foot and Leg Pain at Night? – The 3 Most Common Reasons!

June 20, 2025 General Foot Pain Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Is your child waking up at night with foot or leg pain? While nearly 40% of children experience growing pains, it’s important not to assume that’s the cause. If the pain fades by morning, it’s likely harmless. However, if your child’s discomfort lingers into the day or affects their activity levels, it could signal an underlying issue that needs attention. In this article, we’ll explore when foot and leg pain is more than just growing pains—and how supportive shoes can help.

Be Proactive

Some parents visit their pediatrician only to be told that their child will “grow out of it.” But when it comes to foot pain, taking a “wait and see” approach can be risky. Ignoring early signs can allow the condition to worsen, potentially leading to long-term issues. It’s always better to be proactive and address your child’s foot discomfort early on.

Let’s explore the three most common reasons your child might be experiencing foot and leg pain at night—ranked by how likely each one is to be the cause.

Reason One: Unsupportive and Poorly Fitted Shoes

One of the primary reasons for leg pain at night is unsupportive and poorly fitted shoes. During the first seven years of life, a child’s foot is incredibly malleable, and wearing the wrong shoes can lead to structural issues. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lack proper support can cause strain on the muscles and ligaments, leading to pain.

Supportive New Balance kids' shoe vs an unsupportive Nike shoe.
This image highlights the contrast in support between a flimsy pair of Nike shoes and a supportive pair of New Balance shoes. Notice how the Nike shoe easily collapses when pressed at the midsole, while the New Balance shoe holds its shape thanks to its sturdy, stable base—offering much better support for growing feet.

Solution: Invest in quality shoes that offer good support and cushioning. Ensure the shoes fit well by allowing a thumb’s width of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. Regularly re-evaluate your child’s shoe fit, especially during growth spurts, to ensure continued comfort and support.

Reason Two: Flat Feet

It’s normal for kids under two to have flat feet, and arches can develop until around age five. However, if your child is experiencing foot or leg pain at night, it’s a good idea to check for flat feet. Without a proper arch, the foot lacks the support it needs to distribute weight evenly. This can lead to overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively. As a result, the muscles and tendons in the legs and feet work harder, causing pain and discomfort.

An image of a child with flat feet standing barefoot.
An image of a child with healthy arches.

Supportive shoes can help improve your child’s foot posture and walking gait, while also reducing strain on other parts of the body by promoting proper alignment and movement.

toddler-with-flat-feet
Here’s an image of a flat-footed child standing barefoot. Notice how the arches have collapsed and the feet are rolling inward, throwing the ankles and overall alignment out of balance.
toddler-wearing-supportive-shoes
Image of the same child now wearing supportive shoes—notice how much straighter and more aligned their feet appear, thanks to the structure and stability the shoes provide.

Solution: Consider supportive shoes with a firm heel counter and a substantial arch. Orthotic inserts can also provide additional support to help alleviate discomfort. Encourage your child to perform exercises that strengthen the arches and improve foot flexibility.

Reason Three: Low Muscle Tone

Low muscle tone, or hypotonia, is the third common reason for night leg pain in children. Children with low muscle tone have muscles that are less firm than usual, which can affect their posture and movement. Children with low muscle tone may find it difficult to maintain proper posture and balance. This can lead to fatigue and pain in the legs, especially after a day of activity.

Child with stability issues keeps falling due to wearing shoes that are too big.
An image of a child with low muscle tone having stability issues.

Solution: Physical therapy is extremely effective for children with low muscle tone, but the correct pair of shoes can also work wonders in treating this condition. I have fitted certain shoes that help guide your children’s feet into proper alignment and provide an instant boost to your child’s stability and confidence.

The Importance of Providing Your Child with the Correct Shoe Size

Shoes that are too small can restrict growth and lead to deformities, while shoes that are too large can cause instability and increase the risk of injury. With the rise of online shopping, getting the correct shoe size without trying them on first can be challenging. However, my virtual shoe fitting service offers a solution. By providing detailed measurements and images of your child’s feet you can confidently select the right size when ordering online.

Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations

Each child’s foot is unique, and finding the perfect shoe fit requires careful consideration of their foot shape and any existing conditions. For personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s specific needs, feel free to contact me. Together, we can ensure your child steps into comfort and health with every stride.