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Pediatric Heel Pain

When your child experiences foot pain, you want help fast. Arch Foot & Ankle is here to make your child feel better.

What conditions cause heel pain in children?

Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever’s Disease)

Calcaneal apophysitis is a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. It typically affects children between the ages of 8 and 14 because the heel bone (calcaneus) is not fully developed until at least age 14. Until then, new bone forms at the growth plate (physis), a weak area located at the back of the heel. When there is too much repetitive stress on the growth plate, inflammation can develop. The chances of a child developing heel pain can be reduced by avoiding unsupportive shoes, cleats, obesity, and activity beyond the child’s ability.

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Symptoms of Calcaneal Apophysitis:

  • Pain in back or bottom of heel

  • Limping

  • Walking on toes

  • Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities

  • Pain when sides of heel are squeezed

  • Tiredness

 

Treatment:

  • Reduce/stop pain-causing activity

  • Support the heel using shoe inserts or custom orthotic devices

  • Oral pain and anti-inflammatory medications

  • Physical therapy

  • Immobilization using a cast

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