May 2, 2021 · children, Physiotherapy, Podiatry

Heel Pain in Children

Heel pain in children is surprisingly common, presenting regularly in the Podiatry or Physiotherapy. Find out how we can help.

Book an assessment Call (07) 5572 6222

Heel Pain in Children on the Gold Coast — this guide from Ace Health Centre walks you through what matters most: when to seek help, what treatment looks like, and what to expect from your recovery. Call (07) 5572 6222 to book.

Heel Pain in Children

Heel pain in children is surprisingly common, presenting regularly in the Podiatry or Physiotherapy setting. It’s a type of pain which can be quite debilitating, impacting on a child’s ability to participate in and enjoy their chosen sport and perform to their full potential.

What causes heel pain in children?

Severs disease is the most common cause of heel pain in children. It is due to overuse and pulling of the achilles tendon on the back of the heel, and the plantar fascia on the bottom of the heel. The pulling force causes pain and inflammation at the growth plate within the heel bone. It is often aggravated by tight calf muscles and feet that roll in too far (flat feet). Its normally seen in active kids between the ages of 8 and 15 during the rapid growth years.

What are the common symptoms?

The signs and symptoms that point to severs may include:

Pain with physical activity, particularly activities that require running and jumping
Limping, often in the morning or during and after sport
Tendency to tip toe
Worsening of symptoms after exercise

How is Severs disease diagnosed?

A Podiatrist or Physiotherapist can diagnose Severs disease by asking the young person about their symptoms and performing a physical examination. In some scenarios medical imaging may be required to rule out other causes of heel pain, however x rays are generally not necessary to diagnose Severs.

What is the best treatment for heel pain in children?

Heel pain in children responds very well to treatment. Treatment may include:

Foot orthotics to address any biomechanical factors contributing to the pain
Activity modification – decrease or modify load in the short term
Education on how to self manage symptoms and flare ups
Heel raise – helpful to reduce pull on the heel bone
Footwear education – having the appropriate shoe that meets demands of the sport and clips needs

Conclusion

Heel pain in children should not become a long term chronic issue. Early and appropriate intervention will lead to the best outcome. If you child is experiencing heel pain, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a Podiatrist or Physiotherapist with an interest in sports injuries. This will ensure a quicker recovery allowing your kid get back doing the things they love.

What to Expect From Heel Pain in Children at Ace Health Centre

Patients who book Heel Pain in Children with our team get a clinic-grade assessment, a clear plain-language plan, and a structured progression rather than a one-off appointment. Furthermore, we coordinate care across podiatry, physiotherapy, dietetics and exercise physiology where relevant, so you are not bouncing between clinics. Authoritative information on this topic is also available from Healthdirect Australia if you would like to read further before booking. As a result, you walk in informed and walk out with a plan you understand.

For more on what we do, see our main service page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heel Pain in Children

How long does heel pain take to settle? Most cases settle in 6-8 weeks with consistent treatment. Patients who quit at week 3 because it feels mostly better are the ones who relapse a month later.

Should I keep stretching? Yes, but gently. Inflamed tissue doesn’t want a hard stretch — gentle and frequent beats hard and rare.

Do I need an X-ray for heel pain? Most heel pain is diagnosed clinically. We image only if there’s concern about a heel spur, fracture or partial fascia tear.

Book Your Heel Pain in Children Appointment

Ready to get started? Call (07) 5572 6222 or book online. In addition, new patients can use our no-gap initial consult — straightforward, no surprises.

HICAPS on the spot with every major fund · Medicare CDM, DVA, NDIS & WorkCover accepted where applicable.