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Heel Pain In Kids

by | Aug 27, 2022 | Children's Feet, Heel Pain | 0 comments

Over the past few years, the most common problem seen at ProHealth Podiatry, involving children, would most definitely be heel pain when playing sport, or after participating in other forms of strenuous activity.

This condition, often misdiagnosed as a simple growing pain, is called Sever’s Disease, and affects boys far more often than girls, especially between the ages of 8 and 14.

It is extremely common in Soccer, Basketball and Hockey; however, it is not limited to these sports alone, nor is it simply a pre-season type condition related to fitness.

Sever’s Disease sounds terrible, but there is no need to panic as it is not a contagious or incurable condition. 

In children, there is a growth plate in the heel bone, which at puberty becomes solid and forms part of the heel bone, however prior to puberty it can cause pain if the child’s foot rolls inwards or outwards too much, causing increased stress on this area and in turn causes pain.

This heel pain can become quite debilitating and the most obvious signs, for the parents and coaches to look for, will involve the child limping around after sport and often complaining that their heels or ankles are hurting.

If the pain continues, the child sometimes cannot play sport at all, and just feels like throwing in the towel due to the frustration of not being able to play at their best.

I’ve had parents tell me that they were told the heel pains are simply growing pains and it will eventually resolve itself without treatment, but this is very poor advice, even though technically true.

Why would you let a child go through pain for weeks, months and in some circumstance’s years, when it can easily be resolved?

In most cases there will always be an underlying biomechanical foot problem, or muscular tightness, that requires attention.  In my 14 years of private practice, I am yet to see a child with a normal foot-type and correct flexibility ever present with the same type of heel pain.

A Podiatrist can easily evaluate your child’s foot, lower limbs and muscular flexibility, to identify if a problem exists. Once a problem is identified, a simple treatment plan is put in place.

Initial treatment may involve using temporary padding and strapping to control motion or to cushion the painful area and based on the success of this treatment, a long-term treatment plan will be put in place.

This long-term treatment plan may or may not involve Foot Supports (orthotics), Heel Raises, muscle stretching and or strengthening.

Over the past 14 years I’ve had the opportunity of treating hundreds of children with similar problems and 99% of all children treated for heel pain are back playing sport almost pain free within weeks, and sometimes days of their treatment. Please don’t listen to people who say they just have to put up with it, it is just not true.

To make an immediate appointment and be proactive towards your child’s health call ProHealth Podiatry in Red Hill or Mt Gravatt on (07) 3076 7306 or e-mail info@prohealthpodiatry.com.au.

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