Heel pain is a common complaint for young children, especially when active and growing. Your “Little Athlete” may present with these symptoms at any stage during development and these tips may help you identify it quickly and help you seek the right treatment.
The technical side of things
Heel pain can occur for a large variety of reasons and the pain can arise from a variety of sources. Making a correct diagnosis and understanding the various factors involved is most important if treatment is to be effective.
Commonly ‘Severs Syndrome’ affects the younger population between the ages of 8-12. This describes pain at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone as shown below.
During growth and especially rapid growth, the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) grow faster than the calf muscles can stretch; as a result the calf muscle becomes tighter and pulls on the back of the heel.
- Pain during exercise and in the morning getting out of bed
- Pain when pushing / feeling the heel
- Obvious limping
What can I do if my Little Athlete has some or all of the above symptoms?
James Pope’s self-management tips
- Icing – Ice the heel for 10 minutes after exercise or when sore
- Stretching – Encourage your little athlete to stretch their calf as shown in the diagram
- Massage – Calf massage can really help relax your Little Athlete’s tight calves. If your Little Athlete’s pain is affecting their running or performance then it’s best to vist a podiatrist
At Balwyn Sports and Physiotherapy Centre our sports podiatrist can offer valuable advice and treatment to settle the symptoms and keep your Little Athlete on the track. These may include:
- Footwear Modifications
- Exercise Programs to help settle the pain
- The use of different types of heel wedges
- Biomechanical assessment to determine if orthotic therapy is necessary