Heel Pain in Children

Although bones are living tissue and rebuild throughout life, children’s bones are a bit more delicate than adults’. Their feet, in particular, are vulnerable to calcaneal apophysitis, also known as Sever’s disease. This condition causes pain in the heel, and the podiatry specialists at Knoxville Footcare want parents to know when it is likely to develop, and how they can help.

 

Children have growth plates in the backs of their heel bones where new bone tissue grows. Although it will harden by the mid-teen years, it can become inflamed in younger children. Most inflammation is due to overuse, which could happen if a child is highly active, or if they are overweight or wear shoes that don’t provide adequate support. Pain and swelling tends to be worse during and after intense bouts of activity.

 

The Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel bone, and tightness in it is likely to be contributing to inflammation of the growth plate. One of the easiest ways to prevent bouts of heel pain is to perform regular stretching exercises and to do proper warm-ups. Some children also benefit from heel pad inserts or shoes with elevated heels that won’t require their tendons to stretch as far. In rare cases a brace might be needed to immobilize the foot while inflammation recedes, but the problem will stop once the heel bone solidifies.

 

Knoxville Footcare is located at 1932 Alcoa Highway Building C, Suite 480, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37920. Visit us at Knoxville Footcare or call 865-632-5700.

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