See also: Parent/Carer information leaflet
Heel pain is very common in children and is sometimes referred to as Severs disease. This is a misleading name, as it is not a disease, but more a side-effect of growth. It commonly affects children going through a growth spurt when the bones grow faster than the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments and tendons). This causes traction on the insertion of the Achilles tendon into the calcaneal apophysis. It is more common in physically active children especially those participating in running and jumping activities.
The average age when this is first detected is 11.5 years. It is more common in boys and in about 60% of patients both feet are affected.
We know that when a growth spurt occurs tightness in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon cause a pull on the heel bone leading to pain. Other symptoms can include an intermittent limp or toe walking, swelling, warmth and even redness at the heel. These can be made worse when active and commonly children complain of pain after sport. The pain will improve as the growth slows down, and eventually disappear completely.
Diagnosis is made through history of symptoms and clinical examination. An X-ray is not needed to confirm the diagnosis.