Heel Pain in Children: Understanding Growing Pains and How Podiatry Can Help
Overview of Heel Pain in Children
Heel pain in children is common—particularly during growth spurts—and is often linked to a condition known as Sever’s Disease (calcaneal apophysitis). While not usually serious, it can cause significant discomfort and affect a child’s ability to participate in sports or school activities.
At Happy Feet Podiatry in The Junction, NSW, we provide gentle, effective care to help children recover and stay active.
What Is Heel Pain in Children and What Are the Symptoms?
The most frequent cause of paediatric heel pain is Sever’s Disease, a temporary inflammation of the heel growth plate. Symptoms may include:
Common symptoms include:
- Heel pain during or after activity (e.g. running, jumping)
- Limping or walking on toes to avoid heel pressure
- Tenderness at the back of the heel
- Swelling or redness around the heel
- Complaints of pain that worsen in the evening
Symptoms usually appear in children aged 8–14 and often coincide with increased physical activity or growth spurts.
Types of Heel Pain in Children
There are several types of Heel Pain, each with varying degrees of severity:
Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
Inflammation of the heel growth plate.
Achilles Tendon Strain
Overuse of the tendon that attaches at the back of the heel.
Plantar Fasciitis (less common in children)
Irritation of the tissue along the sole of the foot.
Heel Bursitis
Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs at the back of the heel.
Bruising from Hard Surfaces
Due to poor footwear or barefoot activity on hard ground.
Understanding Heel Pain Progression and How We Can Help at Each Stage
Early Stage
Symptoms: Mild heel discomfort during or after sport.
Treatment: Activity modification, cold packs, gentle stretches.
Moderate Stage
Symptoms: Pain limits participation in sport, child walks with a limp.
Treatment: Footwear changes, orthotics, taping, physiotherapy.
Advanced Stage
Symptoms: Ongoing pain, avoidance of activity, altered gait.
Treatment: Rest, structured rehabilitation, orthotics, return-to-sport planning.
Primary Causes of Heel Pain in Children
Growth Spurts
The heel bone grows faster than surrounding muscles and tendons, causing tension.
High Activity Levels
Running and jumping place repeated strain on the heel.
Tight Calf Muscles
Increases traction on the heel growth plate.
Flat Feet or Poor Foot Posture
Alters gait and increases stress on the heel.
Risk Factors
Ages 8–14 during rapid growth periods
Participation in sports like soccer, netball, or athletics
Poor footwear or old sports shoes
Sudden increase in training load or sport intensity
Biomechanical issues (e.g. flat feet, overpronation)
Early podiatry assessment helps manage pain and prevent long-term problems.
How Is Heel Pain Diagnosed at Happy Feet Podiatry?
We use child-friendly assessment techniques, including:
History Taking: Understanding activity levels, growth stage, and symptom patterns.
Physical Examination: Gentle palpation to identify tenderness and assess flexibility.
Gait and Postural Analysis: Reviewing foot mechanics and walking patterns.
Footwear Review: Assessing wear patterns and support levels.
Referral for Imaging: Only if another diagnosis is suspected.
Get a Professional Assessment
Don’t let foot pain hold you back. Our expert podiatrists are here to help diagnose and treat your condition.
Podiatry Treatment Options at Happy Feet Podiatry for Heel Pain in Children
- Activity Modification: Reducing high-impact activities while maintaining movement.
- Heel Cushions and Padding: To absorb shock and reduce impact.
- Custom or Prefabricated Orthotics: To correct foot posture and relieve tension.
- Stretching Programs: Especially for calves and hamstrings.
- Footwear Advice: Ensuring properly fitted, supportive shoes.
- Education for Parents and Children: Empowering families to manage symptoms confidently.
All treatment is tailored to the child’s age, activity level, and growth stage.
Self-Care Tips for Children with Heel Pain
- Apply a cold pack to the heel after sport
- Ensure shoes are well-fitted and appropriate for activity
- Encourage gentle stretching of calves before and after activity
- Avoid barefoot walking on hard floors
- Reduce impact-heavy sports during pain flare-ups
Consult your podiatrist if symptoms persist or worsen.
Prevention
- Replace worn-out shoes promptly
- Gradually increase training intensity
- Warm up before sport
- Encourage stretching routines
- Support proper foot posture with orthotics if needed
- Monitor growth spurts and adjust activity accordingly
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don’t let foot pain limit your lifestyle. Contact our expert team today for a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plan.
Common Myths
Myth 1: "Heel pain in kids is just growing pains."
Truth: Not always—persistent pain should be assessed professionally.
Myth 2: "Kids don’t need orthotics."
Truth: Orthotics can be very helpful during growth and development when prescribed appropriately.
Myth 3: "Rest is the only treatment."
Truth: Activity modification helps, but addressing biomechanical and footwear factors is also important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is heel pain in children serious?
How long does Sever’s Disease last?
Can children still play sport?
Do orthotics help with Sever’s Disease?
What shoes are best?
When should I see a podiatrist?
When to See a Podiatrist for Children’s Heel Pain
Seek a professional podiatry assessment if:
- Your child limps or avoids sport
- Pain lasts more than one week
- Symptoms worsen with activity
- There is swelling, redness, or tenderness in the heel
- Heel pain recurs despite rest
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Heel pain can slow down your child—but it doesn’t have to. At Happy Feet Podiatry in The Junction, NSW, we provide expert, child-friendly care to relieve pain and keep your little ones moving comfortably. Book an appointment today.
Related Articles
Heel Pain in Children: Causes, Treatment & When to See a Podiatrist
Heel pain in children is a common complaint, particularly in active kids aged 8-14 years. While often caused by growth-related conditions like Sever’s disease, it’s important to understand the underlying causes and seek appropriate treatment to keep your child active and pain-free.
References
- Healthdirect Australia. (2023). Heel pain in children. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/
heel-pain-in-children - Australian Podiatry Association. (2023). Children’s foot health guidelines. https://www.podiatry.org.au
- Therapeutic Guidelines. (2024). Paediatric musculoskeletal care. https://www.tg.org.au
- RACGP. (2023). Sever’s Disease in general practice. https://www.racgp.org.au
- Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. (2022). Paediatric heel pain studies. https://jfootankleres.biomed
central.com - Australian Journal of General Practice. (2022). Diagnosis and treatment of Sever’s Disease. https://www1.racgp.org.au/
ajgp - La Trobe University. (2021). Child gait research. https://www.latrobe.edu.au
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2022). Interventions for paediatric heel pain. https://www.cochranelibrary.
com - Podiatry Board of Australia. (2023). Best practice for paediatric care. https://www.podiatryboard.
gov.au - NSW Health. (2023). Paediatric musculoskeletal pain protocols. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au
- Hunter New England Health. (2023). Referral pathways for paediatric heel pain. https://www.hnehealth.nsw.
gov.au - University of Western Australia. (2020). Children’s biomechanics research. https://www.uwa.edu.au
- Australian Physiotherapy Association. (2023). Growth plate injury guidelines. https://australian.physio
- Sports Medicine Australia. (2023). Managing foot pain in junior athletes. https://sma.org.au
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2023). Clinical care standards in paediatrics. https://www.safetyandquality
.gov.au
References
- Healthdirect Australia. (2023). Heel pain in children. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heel-pain-in-children
- Australian Podiatry Association. (2023). Children’s foot health guidelines. https://www.podiatry.org.au
- Therapeutic Guidelines. (2024). Paediatric musculoskeletal care. https://www.tg.org.au
- RACGP. (2023). Sever’s Disease in general practice. https://www.racgp.org.au
- Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. (2022). Paediatric heel pain studies. https://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com
- Australian Journal of General Practice. (2022). Diagnosis and treatment of Sever’s Disease. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp
- La Trobe University. (2021). Child gait research. https://www.latrobe.edu.au
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2022). Interventions for paediatric heel pain. https://www.cochranelibrary.com
- Podiatry Board of Australia. (2023). Best practice for paediatric care. https://www.podiatryboard.gov.au
- NSW Health. (2023). Paediatric musculoskeletal pain protocols. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au
- Hunter New England Health. (2023). Referral pathways for paediatric heel pain. https://www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
- University of Western Australia. (2020). Children’s biomechanics research. https://www.uwa.edu.au
- Australian Physiotherapy Association. (2023). Growth plate injury guidelines. https://australian.physio
- Sports Medicine Australia. (2023). Managing foot pain in junior athletes. https://sma.org.au
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2023). Clinical care standards in paediatrics. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au