Key Takeaways
Pediatric heel pain is often caused by overuse injuries related to sports, poorly fitting shoes, or growth spurts, rather than a single acute injury.
Common causes include Sever’s disease (an inflammation of the growth plate), plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, and bursitis.
Symptoms like limping, walking on toes, pain that worsens with activity, and swelling in the heel area warrant a professional evaluation.
Treatment typically involves rest, ice, proper footwear, and specific stretches. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
For expert diagnosis and care for pediatric heel pain in Northern Illinois, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists.
Understanding Pediatric Heel Pain
It can be distressing to see your child limping or complaining of foot pain. When the discomfort is focused on the heel, many parents worry about a serious injury. While any persistent pain should be evaluated, heel pain in children and adolescents is quite common and often linked to their active lifestyles and growing bodies. Unlike adults, a child's foot is still developing, with bones that are not yet fully mature. This makes them susceptible to specific conditions, especially in the heel's growth plate. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward getting your child back on their feet and pain-free.
1. Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
The most frequent cause of heel pain in active, growing children is Sever’s disease. This isn't a true 'disease' but rather an inflammatory condition of the growth plate in the back of the heel bone (calcaneus).
Causes of Sever’s Disease
During a growth spurt, the heel bone can grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, particularly the Achilles tendon. This disparity puts increased tension on the growth plate. Repetitive stress from activities like running and jumping can further irritate the area, leading to inflammation and pain. It is most common in children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Recognizing and Managing Sever’s Disease
Children with Sever's disease often experience pain that worsens during or after physical activity and feels better with rest. You might notice them limping or walking on their tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on their heels. Treatment at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists focuses on reducing stress on the growth plate through rest, ice, stretching exercises for the calf muscles, and sometimes recommending supportive footwear or custom orthotics.
2. Plantar Fasciitis
While more common in adults, plantar fasciitis can also affect children. This condition involves the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis in Children
In children, plantar fasciitis can be triggered by several factors. These include wearing unsupportive footwear (like flat flip-flops), having flat feet or high arches, a sudden increase in physical activity, or obesity. The repetitive strain causes tiny tears in the fascia, leading to inflammation and a characteristic sharp, stabbing pain.
Identifying and Treating Plantar Fasciitis
The classic sign of plantar fasciitis is pain in the bottom of the heel that is most severe with the first steps in the morning or after a long period of rest. The pain may decrease during the day but can return after extended periods of standing or activity. Treatment often involves calf stretches, icing the heel, wearing more supportive shoes, and avoiding going barefoot on hard surfaces.
3. Achilles Tendinitis
The Achilles tendon is the large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. When this tendon becomes inflamed, it is called Achilles tendinitis. It’s an overuse injury that is common in young athletes.
Causes of Achilles Tendinitis
Repeated or intense strain on the Achilles tendon can cause irritation and inflammation. This can happen from ramping up the intensity or duration of a sport too quickly, having tight calf muscles, or wearing shoes that don’t provide adequate support, causing the tendon to work harder.
Managing Achilles Tendinitis
Pain is typically felt along the back of the heel and may be accompanied by mild swelling or tenderness. The area might feel stiff, especially in the morning. A podiatrist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists can recommend specific stretching and strengthening exercises, icing protocols, and potential changes in footwear to alleviate the strain on the tendon.
4. Stress Fractures
Unlike a clean break from a single traumatic event, a stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone that develops from repetitive force or overuse. In the foot, they can occur in the heel bone (calcaneus) from activities that involve a lot of running or jumping.
Causes of Stress Fractures
When muscles become fatigued from overuse, they are less able to absorb the shock of impact. This transfers more stress to the bones, which can lead to a small fracture over time. This is more common in sports that involve repetitive impact on hard surfaces, such as track, basketball, or gymnastics.
Recognizing and Treating Stress Fractures
The primary symptom is pain that develops gradually and intensifies during weight-bearing activity. Unlike tendinitis, the pain may not subside quickly with rest. Swelling may also be present. Diagnosing a stress fracture requires a thorough examination and often imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI. Treatment is critical and involves a period of rest from the aggravating activity, often using crutches or a walking boot to allow the bone to heal properly.
5. Bursitis
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. When these sacs become inflamed, the condition is called bursitis. In the heel, this often occurs at the back, where the Achilles tendon inserts into the bone.
Causes of Bursitis
Pressure from poorly fitting shoes is a primary culprit. Footwear that is too tight or has a rigid back can rub against the heel, irritating the bursa. It can also be caused by overuse or a direct impact on the area.
Treating Bursitis
Bursitis can cause pain, swelling, and redness at the back of the heel. The area may feel tender and warm to the touch. The first line of treatment is to remove the source of irritation. This means wearing properly fitting, supportive shoes. Icing the area can help reduce inflammation, and in some cases, a podiatrist may recommend specific padding or medication.
Get Expert Pediatric Heel Pain Care in Northern Illinois
Don't let heel pain keep your child on the sidelines. An accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and preventing the issue from becoming a chronic problem. The expert team at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists is experienced in diagnosing and treating all causes of pediatric heel pain.
For a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized care plan to get your child moving comfortably again, schedule an appointment with Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I take my child to a doctor for heel pain?
You should see a doctor if the pain is severe, persists for more than a few days despite rest, is associated with swelling or redness, or causes your child to limp significantly. A professional diagnosis ensures your child gets the right treatment.
Are growing pains in the heel real?
Yes, in a way. The term 'growing pains' is often associated with conditions like Sever’s disease, where the heel's growth plate becomes inflamed due to the bone growing faster than the attached tendons and muscles.
Can the wrong shoes really cause heel pain in kids?
Absolutely. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lack proper arch and heel support can contribute to a variety of foot problems, including plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and Achilles tendinitis. Ensuring your child wears supportive, well-fitting athletic shoes for sports is crucial.
