Plantar fasciitis
If the pain is located on the bottom of the heel, it could be a condition known as plantar fasciitis. It is caused by inflammation on the underside of the heel bone, where the plantar fascia (a band of connective tissue) attaches. The condition can be caused or aggravated by foot function problems such as flat feet or high arches. Children will often complain of this heel pain the most in the morning or after activity.
Treatment of Common Heel Pain in Children
The common factor between the above conditions is that they are caused by physical stress on the foot. If your child is experiencing pain, bring them in to Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle for a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis has been made we can work on a treatment plan that best benefits your child. Often, treatment will include rest and daily stretching of the feet and ankles. Occasionally physical therapy will be recommended to improve strength and flexibility. If there are structural or functional problems with your child’s feet that are contributing to the heel pain, shoe orthotics may be recommended. Sometimes the use of an ankle brace or support may be prescribed.
Less Common Causes of Heel Pain in Children
The following are more serious, yet less common conditions that can cause pain in the heels.
- Bone fractures
- Congenital bone fusions, known as tarsal coalitions
- Tumors or bone cysts- rare causes of heel pain diagnosed by x-ray or other imaging studies
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- Various inflammatory conditions like juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile spondyloarthropathies such as reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, can cause pain in the heels.
If there is no improvement with the treatment of the common causes of heel pain, make sure to let the doctor know so there can be further evaluation and to rule out one of the more serious causes.
Feet shouldn’t hurt, and neither should their treatment. If your child is experiencing heel pain, then give us a call. Our foot and ankle care doctors and surgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and are members of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American Podiatric Medical Association. Call (208) 855-5955 or request an appointment online.
