HEEL PAIN IN CHILDREN
By Dr. Veronica Marrochello
Heel pain is a common and painful condition experienced by growing children. This is known as Sever's Disease or calcaneal apophysitis. The site of the pain is in the calcaneal epiphysis. This is the growth plate of the heel bone. This area is also the attachment of the Achilles tendon.
Sever's disease is most common in children between 10 and 14 years of age. It is very similar to Osgood-Schlatters Disease seen in the knees.
Anatomy of heel pain:
Sever's disease occurs in children when the growth plate of the heel is injured. The foot is one of the first body parts to grow to full size. This usually occurs in early puberty. During this time, bones often grow faster than muscles and tendons. As a result muscles and tendons become tight. Physical activities that involve running and jumping cause too much pressure at the back of the heel. This results in injury to the heel and causes pain in the heel area.
Treatments:
Ice, 20 minutes, 3times per day. Stretching, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed, always wear shoes.
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