Severs – Heel Pain in Sporting Children

Does your child ever complain about pain in the heel of the foot? Do they complain about their ankles being sore during running and jumping activities or sports? Well, if they do, they are not alone. Heel pain is a common reported symptom by young active children. Below is some information regarding causes and advice to help manage their symptoms.

If your child complains of discomfort at the heel, they could have a condition called severs. It is caused by repetitive stress to the growth plate of the heel where the achilles attaches onto the bone. It typically occurs in one or both heels of the feet during periods of rapid growth to bones, muscles and tendons. 

So, what can we do about this? The first strategy to implement is stretching and foam rolling of the calf. Trial these stretches below:

• Stand with one foot in front of the other facing a wall. Keep your back leg straight while leaning into the wall. You should feel a stretch in the back of your leg. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat three times at a mild to moderate stretch, pain free. 
• Stand with one foot in front of the other facing a wall. With your front leg, bend your knee towards the wall keeping your foot on the floor. If you can touch the wall with your knee, shuffle back and retry.  You should feel a stretch in the lower aspect of your calf. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat three times at a mild to moderate stretch, pain free. 

If these stretches don’t provide enough symptom relief, come and see one of our friendly physiotherapists in the clinic. In our sessions we will discuss further management strategies such as taping, advice for shoes and/or innersoles, strengthening, hands on treatment, load management and helpful advice around symptom management. Click here to book an appointment today!

Written By:

Levi Norsworthy
Physiotherapist

PhysioMotion Cairns
Shop 5/9-11 Stokes Street
Edmonton QLD 4869

(Servicing Edmonton, Gordonvale, Bentley Park, Mount Sheridan Community)