Heel Pain

Heel pain in children and young adults is most often Sever’s condition – usually occurring with prolonged periods of exercise and in very active children.

Pain over the back or bottom of the heels. Swelling may also be present. It can occur in one or both feet. 

Children’s bones in the feet are not fully formed and have growth plates, made of cartilage, at the end. The growth plate at the end of the heel bone can get irritated by high impact sports that involve lots of running or jumping. 

The pain may also occur during a growth spurt. This is because the leg bones can increase in length, before the lower leg muscles catch up. The lower leg muscles that attach onto the heel growth plate pull and aggravate the heel bone. 

Heel pain (Sever’s) is usually diagnosed by a podiatrist or physiotherapist following an examination and the taking of a clinical history. 

It usually resolves itself with sufficient rest within a few weeks or months. Appropriate shoes, insoles and modifying activity can all help.