Children complaining of heel pain is one of the most common pediatric problems we treat. There’s nothing worse than watching your child suffer, and foot pain is no different. Today Dr. Timothy Barry of Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper in Dubois County is sharing information regarding what could be causing your child’s heel pain and how we treat it.
We treat patients of all ages, and our youngest patients come to us with a variety of conditions, from complex genetic deformities to more specific conditions.
Heel pain in children is most often associated with a condition known as Sever’s Disease. If your child is active (like most children), it’s not uncommon for them to experience heel pain as they grow.
The reason for this is the Achilles tendon is actively growing in children. So when children are very active, the Achilles pulls on that area of bone that has a growth plate, which creates irritation and causes pain. The pain from this can come on suddenly and, in some cases, can be very painful.
Treatment for Sever’s Disease
The treatment options for Sever’s Disease vary according to each patient. The standard practice is the use of anti-inflammatories, ice, stretching, and proper support. Anti-inflammatories can either be purchased over-the-counter or with a prescription, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition.
Some simple stretching can diminish some of the tension from the Achilles tendon and limit the strain placed on the growth plate. But the most important part of treating Sever’s Disease is foot support. Using custom-molded orthotics is the most effective way to provide support because they are custom made for your child’s feet.
Orthotics not only cushion your child’s feet, but they limit motion in the heel, which in turn gets rid of the pain once and for all. We offer different types of orthotics for all activities. Whether your child is a football player in cleats, or a dancer wearing dancing flats, we can custom make an orthotic to fit their shoes and provide the maximum amount of relief and support.
If your child is complaining of heel pain, contact the office of Dr. Timothy Barry of Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper in Dubois County at (812) 481-7200 today to schedule a consultation.