Is Your Child Complaining Of Heel Pain?

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons children visit our clinic.

Many parents first notice their child limping after football, rugby, dance, gymnastics or athletics. Others hear regular complaints of sore heels after school, sport or long walks.

What often starts as occasional discomfort can gradually begin affecting confidence, activity levels and enjoyment of sport.

At Callen Olive, we understand how important movement is during childhood. We care about helping children stay active, participate confidently and enjoy the activities they love without pain holding them back.

What Is Children's Heel Pain?

One of the most common causes of heel pain in children is a condition called Sever's Disease, also known as Calcaneal Apophysitis.

Despite its name, it is not actually a disease.

It is a growth-related condition that occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated.

As children grow, bones often develop more quickly than muscles and tendons can adapt. This can create increased tension where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, resulting in pain and inflammation around the growth plate.

The condition is temporary and usually resolves once growth is complete.

Who Is Most Commonly Affected?

Children's heel pain most commonly affects active children between the ages of 8 and 14 years.

It is particularly common in children who participate in:

• Football

• Rugby

• Athletics

• Gymnastics

• Dance

• Tennis

• Netball

• Basketball

Periods of rapid growth can often increase symptoms.

How Can Heel Pain Affect Children?

Heel pain can have a significant impact on a child's daily life.

Many children begin avoiding activities they previously enjoyed. Others continue playing through discomfort until symptoms become increasingly severe.

Parents may notice:

• Limping after sport.

• Complaints of sore heels.

• Reduced activity levels.

• Reluctance to participate in sport.

• Discomfort during walking.

• Pain after exercise.

Our goal is to help children remain active whilst managing symptoms safely and effectively.

Common Signs & Symptoms

Children with Sever's Disease often experience:

• Pain at the back or underside of the heel.

• Tenderness when the heel is squeezed.

• Discomfort during or after activity.

• Limping.

• Tight calf muscles.

• Symptoms affecting one or both heels.

• Pain that improves with rest.

Symptoms are often worse after sport or periods of increased activity.

Why Does Children's Heel Pain Develop?

Several factors can contribute to heel pain during growth.

Common contributing factors include:

• Growth spurts.

• Sporting activity.

• Tight calf muscles.

• Increased training loads.

• Foot posture.

• Flat feet.

• Biomechanical factors.

• Inadequate footwear.

Every child is different, which is why understanding the factors contributing to symptoms is an important part of treatment.

How We Assess Children's Heel Pain

At Callen Olive, assessment begins with understanding your child's symptoms, activity levels and sporting commitments.

We take time to understand:

• When symptoms started.

• What activities aggravate the pain.

• Growth history.

• Sporting participation.

• Previous injuries.

A detailed examination allows us to assess:

• Foot posture.

• Joint mobility.

• Muscle flexibility.

• Lower limb alignment.

• Areas of tenderness.

• Walking and running patterns.

Where appropriate, we also utilise advanced OptoGait gait analysis technology to assess movement patterns and identify factors contributing to excessive strain on the heel.

Your Child's Personalised Treatment Plan

Treatment focuses on reducing strain on the growth plate whilst helping children remain active where possible.

Recommendations may include:

• Activity modification.

• Stretching programmes.

• Footwear advice.

• Load management strategies.

• Ice therapy.

• Custom foot orthotics where appropriate.

• Biomechanical intervention.

Our goal is not simply to reduce pain, but to support healthy movement throughout growth and development.

Custom Foot Orthotics For Children's Heel Pain

For some children, foot posture and biomechanics can contribute to excessive stress on the heel.

Following assessment, custom foot orthotics may be recommended to improve foot function, reduce strain and support more comfortable movement.

Every prescription is tailored to the individual child and their activity levels.

Can Children Continue Playing Sport?

In many cases, yes.

Complete rest is not always necessary.

Our aim is to help children continue participating in the activities they enjoy whilst managing symptoms appropriately and reducing the risk of aggravation.

Treatment recommendations are always tailored to the severity of symptoms and the child's individual needs.

When Should You Seek Professional Advice?

Professional assessment is recommended if:

• Heel pain persists for more than a few weeks.

• Your child is limping.

• Activity levels are being affected.

• Symptoms are worsening.

• Pain regularly returns after sport.

Early assessment often leads to faster recovery and a quicker return to comfortable activity.

Related Conditions

• Flat Feet In Children

• Growing Pains

• Sports Injuries

• Running Injuries

• Knee Pain

Related Treatments

• Book A Children's Foot Health Assessment

• Biomechanical Assessment

• OptoGait Gait Analysis

• Custom Foot Orthotics

• Sports Podiatry

Learn More About Foot Health

• Running & Foot Health

• Family Foot Health

• Healthy Feet Through Every Stage Of Life

Why Choose Callen Olive?

We Care.

We care about more than treating heel pain.

We care about helping children stay active, move comfortably and enjoy the sports and activities they love.

By combining expert assessment, advanced technology and personalised treatment plans, we help support healthy movement throughout childhood.

Treatment Fees

No two patients are the same.

That's why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and goals. Following your assessment, your clinician will explain the treatment options available and help you choose the most appropriate pathway to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our focus is always on helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your comfort, mobility and long-term wellbeing.

Children's New Patient Biomechanics Assessment £180

Children's New Patient Biomechanics Assessment Principle Podiatrist £225

Our team will support you throughout every stage of your recovery to ensure you feel informed, reassured and cared for.  If you are unsure which appointment is most suitable, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help, please call us on +44333 305 8347.

Helping Children Stay Active Through Every Stage Of Growth.

Heel pain should not prevent children from enjoying sport, exercise and everyday activities.

Our child-friendly assessments provide expert guidance, reassurance and personalised treatment plans designed around your child's needs.

Book Your Child's Heel Pain Assessment Today

Let us help your child move with comfort, confidence and ease.

Book Your Appointment Now

Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.