Foot pain after nursery: check slippers and know when to seek help

Do not overlook repeated foot pain after nursery. Slippers may be small or poorly shaped, but pain can have other causes. A new pair is not a substitute for assessment when symptoms persist.

Ask your child

Where exactly does it hurt: toes, heel, arch or the whole foot? Does pain start during the day or only at home? Is it on one side? Is there limping, swelling or redness? Check the socks and the inside of the nursery slippers.

Check the nursery pair

1. Measure both feet and compare the size table.
2. Check toe room, pressure over the instep and heel hold.
3. Inspect the insole, sole and fastening.
4. Ask nursery staff when the child complains during the day.

Contact a healthcare professional for recurring pain, night waking, reduced play, swelling or limping. Seek urgent help if the child cannot bear weight, has sudden severe pain, fever with feeling unwell, or worsening symptoms. See our article on limping in new shoes.

If fit is the cause, compare another shape among our children’s slippers.