Kids and Heel Pain

Heel pain not only affects adults, but it can also be prevalent in kids. A common condition we see in kids is called calcaneal apophysitis or Sever's disease. The age range we see this is between 10-14. The cause is an inflammation of the secondary center of growth of the heel bone called the calcaneus. The Achilles tendon which inserts into the heel bone can cause the disturbance that kids typically will feel in the bottom or the back of their heel. So what are the causes? The majority of the time its an overuse injury. Many kids will typically be very active and participate in a number of activities. The constant pulling of the Achilles tendon at this growth center leads to their pain. It also is caused by poor shoe gear, tight calf muscle, and the shape of the foot. These conditions where tendons pull on other growth centers are also common at other parts of the body including the knee and hip. The X-Ray you are looking at is the back part of the heel bone (calcaneus). The area that is separated is the secondary center of growth.

OK so how do we go about treating this? The majority of time is to reduce the amount of physical activity. Ice, anti-inflammatory, stretching, and orthotics or inserts for your shoes are all effective measures as well to help reduce the inflammation that is occurring. A change in shoe gear is important as well. In rare cases a child may need to be casted if the pain is severe enough and the above measures are not helping.

Preventative measures include orthotics and daily stretching.

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