Heel Pain in Children
Heel pain in children is not common, but when it does occur, the most common reason is Severs disease. This is a problem with the growth plate at the back of the heel bone or calcaneus. When we are born most of the bones are still cartilage and bone starts to develop in that cartilage. In the heel bone, the actual bone starts growing in the middle of the bone and also at the back of the heel. These two bits of bone are separated by a small piece of cartilage. It is at this cartilage that growth occurs. The two bits of bone merge by up to the age of 15 years. Before that age, it is possible to strain that cartilage area causing the Severs Disease. The pain is usually felt by squeezing the back part of the heel bone.
The most common cause of Severs disease is higher levels of activity, especially on hard surfaces. Even the grass football fields can be hard at times. A flat or pronated foot has also been suggested as a problem and so has tight calf muscles.
The treatment of Severs disease usually starts with some sort of activity modification to reduce the load on the heel. Ice may be need after sporting activity if it is very painful. A cushioned heel raise is also used to soften the load under the heel and reduce the pull on the bone from the Achilles tendon. Stretching for the calf muscles is also very important. Foot orthotics may also be tried to help the foot alignment. Most cases are successfully managed this way, but in the minority that are not, the always go away when the bone fuses at around age 15.
Anyone who has Severs Disease should seek professional advice
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