CHILDREN: heel pain

 

It is very common for children to experience heel pain with sport – Severs or osteochondritis of the heel is a relatively common complaint in children who are active in sports. It affects boys twice as commonly as girls and generally occurs around the ages of 10-12 years (but can range from 8-14 years). At this age the heel bone or calcaneus is essentially in 2 pieces, joined by a ‘growth plate’ which is effectively tough cartilage. In very active children, particularly those involved in running or jumping sports on hard surfaces, the calf muscle can pull too hard on the heel causing irritation at the growth plate. The heel may become quite painful - often to the stage of tears which result in the inability to play sport –however, the heel does not generally become red or swollen and the pain settles fairly quickly after sporting activity ceases (hence it is often ignored for some time before treatment is sought).  

 

Severs can generally be treated effectively with heel cushions, icing and stretching. Orthotic therapy may assist in stubborn cases or those with major biomechanical contributing factors. Severs can mimic Plantar fasciitis which can also occur in children.