Children are naturally energetic and tend to enjoy jumping, running, and playing from the time they learn to walk. Heel pain in kids may result from regular sports activities, such as soccer and basketball. It is generally mild but may require timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. Heel pain usually begins with tenderness in the back of the heel and results in slight discomfort while walking. The pain may gradually become severe and interfere with your child’s day-to-day activities. Adequate rest and medications are the standard treatment options for heel pain in children. However, if your child limps or walks on their toes, it is best to consult a doctor and get the condition diagnosed. This post provides information on the common causes, risks, complications, treatment options, and prevention of heel pain in kids.
Causes Of Heel Pain In Children
Some of the most common causes of heel pain in children include conditions such as calcaneal apophysitis, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and fractures. Children develop these conditions due to overuse of the ankles while playing. Let us have a look at each condition in detail.
1. Calcaneal apophysitis (Sever’s Disease)
The condition is characterized by pain in the heel’s growth plate (the apophysis). It is a self-limiting condition common in children aged eight to 15 years. However, it is also seen in children as young as six years. Earlier, the condition was characterized by pain in the heel’s posterior and inferior regions in very active and overweight children. However, recent studies suggest that the pain is caused by the pull of the Achilles tendon on the apophysis during sports and running activities. Your doctor would conduct a physical examination and recommend an X-ray to diagnose the condition (1). Symptoms
Pain at the back of the heel Tenderness when the back of the foot is squeezed Slight warmth and tenderness Limping and walking on toes
Treatment Treatment options may include methods to minimize the inflammation and mechanical strategies to modify the factors contributing to calcaneal apophysitis (1). Minimizing inflammation: This includes the use of ice, stretching, rest, or restriction of activities. Sometimes, the doctor might also prescribe topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, the use of topical NSAIDs is contraindicated in children under the age of 12. Modifying causative factors: These include taping or padding, orthoses, and heel raises. Your doctor is the best person to prescribe the right treatment for your child.
2. Plantar fasciitis
This condition has an 8.2% prevalence in children and is considered to be an overuse syndrome. It is said to develop over time because of repeated stress and excessive use of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue along the arch of the heel. It is mostly seen in children who participate in jumping, hill running, or speed work (2). Diagnosis is made mainly via physical examination and medical history. Symptoms
Stiffness and foot pain in the morning Difficulty in walking Tenderness near the arc of the foot
The symptoms tend to worsen in the morning after prolonged rest and subside through the day. Some risk factors of plantar fasciitis include
Obesity Anatomical features such as flat feet and high-arched feet Weak muscles in the foot Walking barefoot on hard surfaces Prolonged weight bearing Wearing wrong footwear (3)
3. Achilles tendinitis
The Achilles tendon is known to be the strongest tendon in the body. It attaches the two muscles of the calf to the heel bone and helps push the foot forward while walking or running. Achilles tendinitis refers to the inflammation of the Achilles tendon due to acute trauma, excessive use, or lack of training (4). The doctor would perform a physical examination, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose Achilles tendinitis. Symptoms
Localized pain in the heel Swelling and stiffness in the morning Impaired functioning of the Achilles tendon
Treatment The treatment options include conservative methods and surgery. Conservative methods include
Reducing activity levels Usage of NSAIDs Physiotherapy Adoption of footwear Usage of braces with a cast (5)
4. Fractures
Fractures can also lead to heel pain. Children who engage in high-impact sports are at a higher risk of developing heel fractures. However, such fractures are rare and occur after a fall. Diagnosis includes a physical examination, X-ray, CT scan, or magnetic resonance. Symptoms
Swelling Bruising Severe pain Inability to put weight on the fractured foot
Treatment Studies have shown that conservative treatments give an excellent outcome for pediatric heel bone fractures than surgical treatments. Conservative treatments include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). The child is instructed to take adequate rest. Ice can be applied to the affected area to reduce the pain and swelling. Your child’s doctor might recommend wrapping the foot in a plastic bandage and keeping the foot at an elevated height. If the conservative treatments do not work or if multiple fractures exist, a combination of surgery and physiotherapy would be advised (6).
Risks And Complications Of Heel Pain
Often, heel pain in children is neglected until it starts to affect their quality of life. If left untreated, fractures and other conditions could result in lifelong problems such as stiffness in joints, early arthritis, and decreased ankle motion. Your child may experience pain while walking, which may further discourage them from participating in sports.
Prevention Of Heel Pain
Take the following precautions to prevent heel pain in children.
Instruct them to wear proper footwear that supports the foot. Always tell your children to do some warm-up exercises before and after playing any sport. Teach them stretching exercises of the heel and calves. Give them nutritional foods that are rich in calcium, which might help build healthy bones and ligaments.
Heel pain due to the above reasons may resolve in a couple of weeks, and your child can start participating in sports within three to six weeks. However, your doctor is the best person to estimate this, so discuss your child’s condition. If your child’s heel pain does not subside within the stipulated time, and if the condition worsens, take your child to the doctor. Also, if your child experiences heel pain without any strenuous activity, it may need further inspection as such pain may be due to infections or tumors.
Applying cold compress Using shoe inserts Giving them heel support shoes Ensuring they get enough rest
Administering pain medication such as ibuprofen, but only after consulting a doctor.
A significant visible deformity Unbearable heel pain that does not go away with basic treatment measures. An ingrown toenail Unrelenting pain after a severe injury while playing The pain affects their walking ability.
