What is Pediatric Heel Pain?
Heel pain is a common complaint in childhood. That does not mean that it should be ignored, or that parents should wait to see if he would “go.” Heel pain is a symptom, not disease. In other words, the heel pain is a warning sign that a child has a condition that deserves attention. Heel pain problems in children often associated with signs and symptoms:
- Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
- Lame
- Walking on foot
- Difficulty participating in usual activities or sports

The most common cause of pediatric heel pain is a disorder called calcaneal apophysitis (see below), which usually affects 8 – to age 14 years. However, pediatric heel pain may be a sign of other problems, and can occur at a young age or older.

What’s the Difference Between Pediatric and Adult Heel Pain?
Pediatric heel pain differs from the most common form of heel pain experienced by adults (plantar fasciitis) in the way pain occurs. Plantar fascia pain is very tight when I wake up in the morning or after sitting for a long time, and then subsided after a little stroll. Pediatric heel pain usually does not improve in this way. In fact, walking around typically makes very sick. Heel pain is so common in children because of the nature of their feet grow. In children, the heel bone (calcaneus) were not fully developed until age 14 years or older. Until then, new bone formed at the growth plate (physis that), a weak area located at the back of the heel. Too much pressure on the growth plate is the most common cause of pediatric heel pain.

Causes of Heel Pain Children

There are several possible causes for the child’s heel pain. Karena diagnosis can be challenging, leg and foot podiatric surgeon is best qualified to determine the cause of the pain and to develop effective treatment plans. Conditions that cause pediatric heel pain include:

• calcaneal apophysitis.
• Tendo-Achilles bursitis.
• Overuse syndrome.
• Fractures.
Child Diagnosis Heel Pain

To diagnose the cause of your child’s heel pain, podiatric surgeon will first obtain a thorough medical history and ask about the last activity. The surgeon will also check the legs and feet of children. X-rays are often used to evaluate the condition, and in some cases, the surgeon may order a bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, or computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scan. Laboratory testing can also be ordered to help diagnose other less common causes of pediatric heel pain.

Treatment Options
The treatment chosen depends on the diagnosis and severity of pain. For mild heel pain, treatment options include:

- Reduce the activity.
- Cushion the heel.

For moderate heel pain, in addition to reducing activity and heel cushions, podiatric surgeon may use one or more treatment options:
• Medications.
• Physical therapy.
• orthotic device.
• Immobilization.
• Follow-up steps.
• Surgery.

If Symptoms Return:
Often heel pain in children back after having been treated for heel bone is still growing.Recurrence of heel pain may be a sign of the condition initially diagnosed, or may indicate a different problem. If your child has a repeat bout of heel pain, be sure to make an appointment with your podiatric surgeon.
Author Bio:
Dr Mednick is board certified in podiatric surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.He is also a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. He is known as an expert in pediatric heel pain.