While we often think of children as resilient, their growing pains are all too often literal. Just like adults, kids and adolescents can suffer discomfort in their feet and heels. Unlike grown-ups, however, they sometimes struggle to put their symptoms into words.
Often, children’s podiatric problems aren’t too different from many adults. Among the more common causes of heel pain are:
- Achilles tendon tears and ruptures
- Plantar fasciitis
- Fractures
- Sever’s disease
Your child’s lifestyle and overall health influence how likely they are to develop—or avoid—certain forms of podiatric aggravation. Kids who frequently play team sports, such as soccer or football, face the same risks of tearing a tendon as active adults.
Likewise, children who are overweight or obese may develop plantar fasciitis, a stress-related disorder that can aggravate the bottom of the foot.
The RICE Model as a Foundation for In-Home Care
Before you visit a podiatrist, you may be inclined to try different home treatments. For visible, acute injuries, you should follow what specialists call the RICE model. Here, RICE stands for:
- Rest, or abstain from putting too much pressure on the affected foot following an injury until healing’s complete
- Ice the injured area, applying a cold pack to the tender or swollen area for about 20 minutes at a time
- Compress the wound by using an elastic wrap or other device
- Elevate the foot while prone or seated to control swelling
Following the RICE model allows you to treat many minor injuries at home. But if the pain is severe, chronic, or otherwise unmanageable, you should consult a podiatrist—an Achilles tendon rupture, bone fracture, or other ailment may necessitate professional intervention.
Sever’s Disease Is a Common Heel Pain Culprit in Kids
While children can tear their Achilles tendon or fracture their feet, the most common cause of heel pain in children is Sever’s disease. If your child complains of frequent heel pain—especially pain that doesn’t seem related to any recent injury—you should schedule an appointment with your podiatrist to see whether Sever’s disease is a possibility.
Don’t panic, though. Sever’s disease may sound scary, but it’s not actually a disease in the same sense as malaria, mumps, or chickenpox.
In fact, Sever’s disease is among the most common heel-related problems children and adolescents are likely to face. Since kids’ and teenagers’ bodies change so rapidly, their feet are occasionally left behind—or, conversely, grow larger before the rest of their body has time to catch up! Such change can put pressure or creation tension in the tendons running along and underneath the heel.
Sever’s disease tends to affect active children and may present worse after exercise, gym class, or sports practice. You can check for Sever’s disease by inspecting the back of your child’s foot, especially around the heel, for:
- Red spots
- Swelling
- Areas or patches tender to the touch
Sometimes Sever’s disease also creates a noticeable limp, which occurs when your child instinctively or intentionally tries to avoid putting their body weight on the affected foot.
Your Podiatrist Can Help You Treat Sever’s Disease
Thankfully, Sever’s disease being a common disorder means podiatrists can treat most cases with relative ease. Depending on the severity of your child’s inflammation, as well as their individual needs and circumstances, your podiatrist may recommend:
- Taking a break from sports, exercise, or other physical activity
- Medication, both to control pain and reduce inflammation
- Foot support, including orthodontics or custom-fitted shoes
- Physical therapy, if the Sever’s disease is severe
In very rare cases, a cast may be needed to ensure your child cannot further stress their heel and affected tendons.
With the right podiatric treatment, Sever’s disease tends to permanently resolve once your child grows into their adult body.
No matter what the problem may be, your child’s feet and health deserve professional care. Whether your child has a potential fracture or is suffering the growing pains of Sever’s disease, call us today or send a message to set your best course of action.
|
Related Links: |