Heel pain in children is often referred to as Severs disease which is the term used to describe painful inflammation of the growth plate of the heel bone. This condition most commonly affects active children between the ages of 8-14 years but can still occur in children outside of these age ranges.
1. Footwear
Appropriate footwear should be worn at all times. It’s important to make sure you are wearing the appropriate footwear for your foot type and particular sporting activities.
Ideal footwear adequate support with a shock absorbing sole and sufficient cushioning. Your podiatrist can suggest appropriate shoes to assist your recovery.
2. Stretching
Stretching is important but must be performed at the correct time. Modified activities along with calf and achilles tendon stretches can be helpful and aid recovery. Performing stretches incorrectly can have adverse reactions.
3. Exercises and strengthening
Strengthening exercises are important as part of the recovery to ensure proper function and balance is restored. Performing the exercises at the correct time and stage of your heel pain is crucial to your recovery and for the prevention of future foot pain.
4. Heat and ice therapy
Using heat and ice can be beneficial to reduce the pain in your heels. However, it is important to use them at the correct phase of your treatment. Heat is often best after a period of rest, while Ice is best utilised after prolonged weight bearing activities or sport.
5. Force redistribution
It is important to determine the forces that are causing the inflammation at the growth plate and then eliminate the cause. This can be done through an accurate gait analysis and biomechanical assessment. From here, 3D laser scanning and orthotic therapy may be needed to adequately unload the damaging forces on the heel bone. The good news is… long term pain relief is achieved very quickly enabling your child to get back to the sport they love.
What’s needed to eliminate heel pain in children?
The right treatment and advice is crucial so if your child is suffering with heel pain or aching feet during or after sport – give Podiatry Care a call or book an appointment online.