Podiatrist comforting child with heel pain

Podiatrist comforting child with heel pain

Child Heel Pain: When to Worry and What to Do

7 min

Key Takeaways

  • Child heel pain is common and not always due to growing pains
  • Persistent or severe heel pain in kids should be professionally assessed
  • Sever’s disease is a leading cause of heel pain in active children aged 8–14
  • Early diagnosis and intervention help prevent long-term foot issues
  • Supportive footwear and activity modifications are key to recovery
  • Other causes include plantar fasciitis, juvenile arthritis, and poor footwear
  • Professional podiatric care ensures accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment

Table of Contents

Understanding Child Heel Pain

If your child limps off the soccer field complaining their heel hurts, you might wonder: is it just growing pains, or something more? Child heel pain is surprisingly common, and while it’s tempting to chalk it up to “just getting taller,” that’s not always the whole story. In fact, ongoing heel pain in kids can signal treatable conditions that deserve a closer look, preferably from someone who knows their calcaneus from their cuboid (that’s podiatrist-speak for “heel bone” and “other foot bone,” in case you’re wondering).

 

Heel pain in children isn’t just a rite of passage or an excuse to dodge chores. According to Healthdirect Australia, kids heel pain can be caused by a variety of issues, so a professional assessment is vital, especially in active Sydney families where weekend sport is practically a religion. Dr Damien Lafferty, a specialist in diagnosing and treating foot problems in children, sees this all the time. The good news? Most causes are manageable, and early intervention means fewer tears (from both kids and parents).

Not Just Growing Pains

Let’s clear up a big misconception: not all child heel pain is “just growing pains.” While it’s true that feet go through wild changes as kids grow, persistent pain, especially if it’s stopping them from joining in with friends or sports, should never be brushed off. Children’s feet are still developing, and ignoring pain can lead to bigger problems down the track. If you’re in Sydney and your child’s heel pain has you scratching your head (or reaching for the ice packs), a professional diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference.

How Common Is Child Heel Pain?

It’s easy to see why so many parents assume child heel pain is just part of growing up, but this isn’t always the case. In reality, child heel pain can affect kids of all ages and activity levels, whether they’re mad about footy or prefer video games to the oval. A 2023 review highlighted that ongoing heel pain in children is more common than most realise, and professional assessment is crucial to rule out underlying problems and ensure proper management (Healthdirect Australia). In Sydney, where kids are often on the move, Dr Damien Lafferty’s expertise in diagnosing and treating child heel pain helps families get the right answers early, reducing the risk of complications and getting kids back to what they love.

Sever’s Disease: The Main Culprit

One of the most frequent culprits of kids heel pain is Sever’s disease. Despite the alarming name, Sever’s disease isn’t an infection or something contagious, it’s actually a type of growth plate inflammation at the back of the heel bone. This condition tends to crop up during growth spurts, especially in active kids who play sports that involve lots of running or jumping. Most commonly, Sever’s disease affects kids aged 8 to 14, with boys being slightly more at risk than girls (Healthdirect Australia). If your child is in this age bracket and suddenly complains of heel pain after sport, Sever’s disease could be the likely suspect.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Recognising the symptoms of kids heel pain early can make a real difference. Children may complain of pain at the back or bottom of the heel, and you might notice swelling, redness, or even a limp if things get bad enough. Some kids will avoid putting weight on the sore foot, or might walk on their toes to ease the discomfort. When you visit a podiatrist, diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam and a chat about your child’s activities, but sometimes imaging like X-rays might be needed to rule out other causes. Early diagnosis is important, according to a clinical review, addressing child heel pain promptly helps prevent longer-term foot issues and keeps kids active and healthy (PubMed Central).

Other Causes of Child Heel Pain

Of course, not every case of heel pain in children is Sever’s disease. Other conditions like plantar fasciitis or even juvenile arthritis can cause similar symptoms, but often have their own tell-tale signs. For example, plantar fasciitis tends to cause pain after periods of rest, while juvenile arthritis might come with joint stiffness or pain in other areas as well. Wearing shoes with poor support or playing sport on hard surfaces can also contribute to heel pain. The right footwear-well-cushioned, supportive and fitted for growing feet, can help prevent pain caused by overuse or strain (NIAMS). If you’re unsure, a podiatrist can help tease out the cause and recommend appropriate steps.

Treatment Options for Child Heel Pain

When it comes to treatment, a combination of rest, ice packs, and gentle stretching is often the first port of call for child heel pain. Physical therapy may be recommended to improve strength and flexibility in the foot and ankle. Supportive footwear is key, especially for growing feet, and sometimes temporary changes to your child’s activity level are needed to let things settle. Dr Damien Lafferty works with families across Sydney to create tailored treatment plans, making sure each child’s unique needs are addressed (Healthdirect Australia). If pain persists or worsens, seeking professional advice ensures kids don’t miss out on sport, school, or just being kids.

Managing Sever’s Disease

Managing Sever’s disease usually starts with reducing your child’s activity levels, no one likes being benched, but some rest really does help the heel heal. Supportive measures like using orthotic inserts or gel heel pads can cushion the area and make walking more comfortable. In some cases, targeted stretches or physiotherapy may be suggested to ease tight calf muscles. The silver lining? Symptoms of Sever’s disease almost always settle down once the growth plate finishes developing, and long-term problems are rare if the condition is managed properly (PubMed Central). That said, ignoring pain or pushing through can prolong recovery, so it’s wise to err on the side of caution.

Lifestyle Tips and Prevention

Lifestyle tweaks can go a long way in managing and preventing heel pain in children. Regular stretching exercises, particularly for the calves and feet, can help maintain flexibility as kids grow. Parental support is important too, helping children stick to activity modifications or footwear changes can speed up recovery and prevent future flare-ups. For families in Sydney, Dr Damien Lafferty’s practice offers practical advice and resources to keep parents informed and kids on track (Healthdirect Australia). Simple changes at home and school can make a world of difference, especially when everyone’s on board.

Expert Care in Sydney

For families seeking expert care, Dr Damien Lafferty is a trusted name in child heel pain treatment in Darlinghurst and Greenwich. With years of experience managing Sever’s disease and other foot disorders, Dr Lafferty combines advanced diagnostic tools with a practical, family-friendly approach. Whether your child needs a straightforward treatment plan or a more tailored solution, you’ll find a range of options designed to get kids back on their feet quickly and safely (Healthdirect Australia). His clinics are equipped with the latest technology, so every child gets a thorough assessment and up-to-date care.

When to Seek Help

If you’re concerned about your child’s heel pain or want a professional opinion, you can get in touch with Dr Damien Lafferty’s clinics in Darlinghurst or Greenwich by visiting https://damienlafferty.com.au/contact-us/. Early assessment from a qualified podiatric surgeon helps identify the cause and guides you towards the right options for your child’s foot health.

FAQ

What is the most common cause of heel pain in children?

The most common cause is Sever’s disease, a temporary inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel, especially in active children aged 8–14.

How can I tell if my child’s heel pain is serious?

If the pain is persistent, severe, causes limping, or stops your child from participating in normal activities, it’s important to seek professional assessment.

Is Sever’s disease permanent?

No, Sever’s disease is not permanent. Symptoms usually resolve once the growth plate matures, and long-term problems are rare with proper management.

Can poor footwear cause heel pain in kids?

Yes, shoes that lack support or cushioning can contribute to heel pain, especially during periods of rapid growth or increased activity.

When should we see a podiatrist?

If your child’s heel pain lasts more than a few days, worsens, or is associated with swelling, redness, or limping, it’s best to consult a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.