Heel pain can also occur in children, most commonly between ages 8 and 13, as they become increasingly active in sports activity in and out of school. This physical activity, particularly jumping, inflames the growth centers of the heels; the more active the child, the more likely heel pain will occur. Sever’s Disease, a common problem in growing children, occurs before the closing of the heel bone growth plate, during which time the Achilles tendon pulls on the heel bone and creates a shear force or stress on the growth plate, resulting in mild swelling and heel pain. It is a self-limiting condition that resolves when the growth plate closes. Podiatric care is necessary to protect the growing bone and to provide pain relief. We can recommend treatment options, which may include shoes with shock-absorbing heel cups, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, ice massage, and Achilles tendon stretching.
