heel pain in kids
Heel pain in children is typically different than heel pain in the adult poplutation. Seivers disease or calcaneal apophysitis is a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. When the growth plate is being reabsorbed near the tuberosity (see above) it allows the bone seperated by it to come closer together until they are able to fuse together. Activites that cause a lot of shock to this area such as running on hard floors and repetative jumping can cause pain. This usually affects children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old, and may last up to the age of 14. Because this is a normal process of growth the course is usually limited.
Common complaints include: pain in the heel, limping, lack of desire to run jump or play, and toe walking.
Initial treatment can include: rest, icing, elevation, change in activities and avoiding hard surfaces, or immobilization.
Calcaneal appophysitis is not the only cause of heel pain in children and teens. Spains, strains, fractures, plantar fascitis, neuritis and others can all cause pain associated with the heel. This is especially true with the increasing weight in childhood population.
Evaluation of by your foot and ankle doctor can help provide a better understanding to the problem(s) your child is facing. After a thorough evaluation, and usually xrays you doctor will provide you specific information to best help your child on the road to recovery, providing peace of mind.
Common complaints include: pain in the heel, limping, lack of desire to run jump or play, and toe walking.
Initial treatment can include: rest, icing, elevation, change in activities and avoiding hard surfaces, or immobilization.
Calcaneal appophysitis is not the only cause of heel pain in children and teens. Spains, strains, fractures, plantar fascitis, neuritis and others can all cause pain associated with the heel. This is especially true with the increasing weight in childhood population.
Evaluation of by your foot and ankle doctor can help provide a better understanding to the problem(s) your child is facing. After a thorough evaluation, and usually xrays you doctor will provide you specific information to best help your child on the road to recovery, providing peace of mind.