Heel Pain in Children.
Heel pain is very common in active children and teenagers, particularly during growth spurts. The most frequent cause is Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis), a condition where the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress.
Common Symptoms
- Pain at the back or bottom of the heel
- Discomfort that worsens after running, jumping or sports
- Limping or walking on tiptoes
- Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity
- Tenderness when squeezing the sides of the heel
It typically affects children aged 8–14 and is often seen in those playing football, rugby, gymnastics or other high-impact sports.
Causes
- Rapid growth – bones grow faster than muscles and tendons
- Tight Achilles tendon or calf muscles
- Flat feet or high arches
- Unsuitable or worn-out footwear
- Sudden increase in training intensity
Treatment & Management
Most children respond very well to conservative treatment which will be a tragetted programme after assessment and diagnosis.
Important: Heel pain should never be ignored in children. While serious conditions are rare, a proper assessment ensures the right diagnosis and prevents long-term issues.
At Foot Clinic NI, our experienced podiatrists specialise in children’s foot problems. We provide thorough assessments, gait analysis, and tailored treatment plans to get your child back to pain-free activity as quickly as possible.
