- Cause of heel pain in children typically between the ages of nine and fourteen
- Result of a disturbance of the final development of the heel growth plate
- Inflammation and pain occur as a result of the excessive force the Achilles tendon creates by pulling on the calcaneus (heel bone)
Symptoms
- Pain in the lower calf and heel area
- Pain exacerbated with activity, particularly running or jumping
- Pain may increase when pressure applied to both sides of heel
- May affect gait pattern, causing a limp if severe
- Can be bilateral (both sides)
Treatment
- Will resolve as skeletal maturity is reached
- Physiotherapy can assist to relieve symptoms
- Pain management techniques
- Exercise prescription
- Foot biomechanical assessments and correction with orthotics or heel wedges
- Deloading taping techniques
- Footwear recommendations
- Activity modification advice and assistance to return to activity