Pediatric Heel Pain

Heel pain in children

Heel pain is one of the most common pediatric conditions.  There are several causes of heel pain in children.  The most common condition is known as calcaneal apophysitis or Sever’s disease.  In young growing feet, the growth plates are particularly vulnerable and susceptible to inflammation and pain due to muscle strain and repetitive stress.  Pain can be present with normal walking, but most commonly occurs during and after other activities that stress the heel.

Signs and symptoms of heel pain in your children include  pain in the back
of the heel, the bottom of the heel or along either side of the heel, limping, walking on the toes and pain and difficulty participating in activities or sports.  Sever’s disease normally affects kids between the age of 8 and 14.  This condition is relatively easy to treat by a podiatrist experienced in children’s foot conditions.  An evaluation should be sought at the first signs of discomfort.

Treatment options may include temporarily reducing the child’s activity level, anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, heel lifts to reduce tension on the heel and custom orthotics in order to address a child’s instability.

If your child is suffering from heel pain, call our office for an appointment (often same day) 816-943-1111.