Your child comes home from football training limping. They say their heel hurts, but they cannot explain why. If you are a parent in Glasnevin or anywhere across North Dublin, this scenario probably sounds familiar. Heel pain in active children is surprisingly common, especially between ages 8 and 14. The good news is that it is rarely serious. The challenge is knowing when to wait it out and when to seek professional help. This post explains what causes heel pain in children, what symptoms to watch for, how it is treated, and when you should book an appointment with a podiatrist in Dublin.
What causes heel pain in children?
The most common cause of heel pain in children is Sever’s disease. Despite the name, it is not actually a disease. It is a growth plate irritation that happens when the heel bone grows faster than the muscles and tendons around it.
During growth spurts, the Achilles tendon pulls on the back of the heel where the growth plate sits. This repeated traction causes inflammation and pain. Think of it as a mismatch between load and tissue capacity. The growing bones and soft tissues cannot keep up with the demands placed on them during sport and daily activity.
Several factors increase the risk. Children who play sports involving running, jumping, or sudden direction changes are more likely to develop symptoms. Football, GAA, basketball, and gymnastics are common culprits. Poor footwear that lacks heel support can make things worse. Flat feet or high arches can also contribute by altering how forces travel through the foot.
The growth plate is the weakest point in a growing skeleton. Until it fully closes in the mid to late teenage years, it remains vulnerable to stress. This is why heel pain tends to resolve naturally once growth slows down, though proper treatment speeds recovery significantly.
What are the symptoms of heel pain in children?
Children with heel pain typically complain of soreness at the back or bottom of the heel. The pain often worsens during or after physical activity. Running and jumping make it worse. Rest usually helps.
You might notice your child limping, especially after sport. Some children walk on their toes to avoid putting pressure on the heel. Pain is usually worse after sitting for a while and then standing up. Morning stiffness is common too.
Both heels are often affected, though one side may be worse than the other. Squeezing the sides of the heel typically triggers discomfort. There is usually no visible swelling or bruising.
If your child has been complaining of heel pain for more than two weeks, or if the pain is stopping them from participating in activities they enjoy, it is time to get it checked. Persistent limping or pain that does not respond to rest deserves professional assessment.
How is heel pain in children treated at Foot Focus Podiatry?
At Foot Focus Podiatry, treatment for childhood heel pain follows a structured approach. Every young patient receives a thorough assessment including detailed history review, muscle and joint testing, and baseline strength testing. Understanding how the child moves and what activities they do helps identify exactly what is overloading the heel.
Treatment follows the four stage recovery model. Stage one focuses on immediate pain relief through padding, strapping, or Class IV laser therapy where appropriate. Heel raises inside shoes can take tension off the Achilles tendon. Stage two introduces strength exercises designed to build tissue capacity in the foot and calf. These are tailored to each child’s age and activity level.
Stage three involves progressive loading. Activity levels increase gradually while monitoring pain trends. The goal is to work back towards sport without flare ups. Stage four is the return to full activity with a maintenance programme. Parents receive guidance on what to watch for and how to prevent recurrence.
For chronic or complex cases, gait analysis using the Gait and Motion Footscan pressure plate provides detailed data on how forces distribute through the foot. This helps identify biomechanical factors that may be contributing to the problem. Most children see significant improvement within six to eight weeks when they follow the programme consistently.
You can find out more about how we treat heel pain at our Dublin clinics on our children’s foot care page.
What parents in Glasnevin are asking about heel pain in children
Q: Does my child need an X-ray for heel pain?
A: X-rays are not usually necessary for diagnosing Sever’s disease. A CORU-registered podiatrist can diagnose it through physical examination and history. X-rays may be recommended if there is concern about a fracture or other condition, but this is uncommon.
Q: Can my child keep playing sport with heel pain?
A: Activity modification rather than complete rest is usually recommended. Your child may need to reduce training intensity temporarily. The goal is to find a level of activity that does not cause significant pain or next day flare ups while they build strength.
Q: Will my child need orthotics for heel pain?
A: Orthotics are not always necessary. At Foot Focus, we build foot strength through rehabilitation first. Phits 3D printed orthotics may be introduced if gait analysis shows they are clinically indicated, but they are part of a structured strength and mobility programme rather than a standalone solution.
Q: How long does Sever’s disease last?
A: Most children recover within two to three months with proper treatment. Symptoms typically resolve completely once the growth plate closes, usually by age 15 or 16. Early intervention and consistent rehabilitation help children return to sport faster.
When should you see a podiatrist in Dublin?
Book an appointment if your child has heel pain that lasts more than two weeks despite rest. See a podiatrist if the pain causes limping or walking on tiptoes. Get it checked if your child is avoiding sport or physical activity because of discomfort. Pain that worsens despite reducing activity also warrants professional assessment.
Any swelling, redness, or warmth around the heel should be examined promptly as these may indicate a different condition. If your child is in Stillorgan, Mount Merrion, or anywhere across Dublin 14, or if you are based in Dublin 11, both Foot Focus clinics offer easy online booking.
CONCLUSION: Heel pain in children is common, treatable, and almost always temporary. The key is getting the right diagnosis and following a structured recovery plan. Foot Focus Podiatry is one of Dublin’s largest podiatry providers, with clinics in Finglas and Mount Merrion staffed by experienced CORU-registered podiatrists. Book online at footfocus.ie or call either clinic to get your child back to doing what they love.