Heel and Arch Pain in Children

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Heel and Arch Pain in Children - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Dec 17th, 2007 by keelyh | 1

http://blog.healthyfeetstore.com/?p=9

With the rate of childhood obesity in the United States on the rise, health

experts are continually reminding parents to encourage their children to

participate in sports and other physical activities. But what happens when

the very activity you believe will keep your child healthy seems to cause

them pain? When a normally rambunctious child, suddenly begins to prefer

quiet, indoor activities, and makes up excuses not to go outside an

observant parent knows that something is up. Often that something is heel or

arch pain.

Causes of Heel and Arch Pain in Children

Heel pain is particularly common in children between the ages of 8 and 14,

when kids become confident enough to engage in more rough and tumble outdoor

activities. High impact sports like soccer, basketball, and track and field

can strain still developing foot bones and muscles. Often the cause of heel

pain in children is Sever's Disease, but it can also be caused by juvenile

rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and hairline fractures.

The foot condition that is most frequently accompanied by arch pain is

over-pronation where the foot and ankles tilt in, making the arches work

harder to maintain balance and absorb motion impact. Flat feet or fallen

arches is another condition that can cause arch pain. Be advised that flat

feet are not, in and of themselves, a cause for concern. Flat feet are

frequently observed in young children who typically grow out of the

condition before age 5. It is older children with flat feet who frequently

experience arch and ball of foot pain.

Both heel and arch pain can also be caused by wearing poorly made shoes that

do not have the proper support in the insole and footbed.

Symptoms of Heel Pain and Arch Pain in Kids

Older children may simply tell you that their feet hurt. Heel pain is felt

behind or beneath the heel. Arch pain is felt in the middle of the foot. For

younger children the clues that they are experiencing foot pain may be as

subtle as an abnormal reluctance to participate in their favorite outdoor

activities. A parent may notice that a child is walking on their toes or

limping when the heel pain is severe.

No More Pain in Little Feet - Heel and Arch Pain Treatment

The most conservative treatment for children's foot pain is orthotics,

usually in the form of a children's arch support or children's heel

cushions.

Children's arch supports work well for children with pronation problems and

flat feet because they correct the bio-mechanics of the child's walking and

running gait, making it easier for the foot to absorb shock without painful

stress to the muscles and joints. Children's arch supports can often be used

to prevent arch pain in young athletes.

Children's heel cushions are usually recommended for children with Sever's

disease or other foot conditions that make the heel tender to decrease pain

and prevent further injury.

Get a Podiatrist's Opinion

When a child is experiencing chronic foot pain it is important to consult a

podiatrist in order to determine the extent of the foot injury. Some foot

conditions can be treated with orthotics only and require little

interruption in the child's usual recreational activities. Other foot

conditions are more serious and will require rest, icing, and occasionally

even immobilization and surgery. It is best to have a professional examine

your child's foot and provide you with an official diagnosis.

For more information on children's heel pain, read the American College of

Foot and Ankle Surgeon's online article on pediatric heel pain.

http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/pediatric-heel-pain.htm