Watching your child limp off the football pitch or complain about sore heels after school is worrying. Parents in Glasnevin and across North Dublin often tell us they have tried rest, new runners, and waiting it out. But the pain keeps coming back. Heel pain in children is extremely common, especially between ages 8 and 14. The good news is it can be solved with the right approach. This post explains what causes heel pain in growing feet, what symptoms to watch for, how we treat it at Foot Focus Podiatry, and when your child should see a podiatrist.
What causes heel pain in children?
The most common cause of heel pain in children is a condition called Sever’s disease. Despite the name, it is not a disease at all. It is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. This growth plate is a softer area of developing cartilage at the back of the heel. When a child is active, the Achilles tendon pulls repeatedly on this area. If the pulling force exceeds what the growth plate can tolerate, pain and inflammation develop.
This is a classic example of load exceeding tissue capacity. The growth plate simply cannot keep up with the demands being placed on it.
Several factors increase the risk. Children going through growth spurts are particularly vulnerable because bones grow faster than muscles and tendons. This creates extra tension on the heel. Playing sports that involve running, jumping, or sudden direction changes adds more load. Football, GAA, basketball, and athletics are common triggers. Flat feet or high arches can also contribute by changing how force travels through the foot.
Poor footwear is another factor. Worn out runners or shoes without adequate heel support fail to absorb impact. When a child trains multiple times per week in unsupportive shoes, the heel takes the punishment.
What are the symptoms of heel pain in children?
Children with Sever’s disease typically feel pain at the back or bottom of the heel. The pain is usually worse during or after sport. Your child might limp after training or complain that their heels hurt when they walk. Some children feel stiffness first thing in the morning that eases after moving around.
The pain often affects one heel but can occur in both. You might notice your child walking on their toes to avoid putting pressure on the heel. Squeezing the sides of the heel often reproduces the pain.
If your child has been complaining of heel pain for more than two weeks, or if the pain is stopping them from playing sport or walking normally, it is time to get it checked. Waiting too long can turn a straightforward problem into months of frustration.
How is heel pain in children treated at Foot Focus Podiatry?
At Foot Focus, every child with heel pain receives a thorough assessment. This includes a detailed history review, muscle and joint testing, and baseline strength testing. Our CORU-registered podiatrists examine how your child stands, walks, and moves. For ongoing or stubborn cases, we use our Gait and Motion Footscan pressure plate to capture thousands of data points showing exactly how forces distribute across the foot with every step.
Treatment follows our four stage recovery model. Stage one focuses on immediate pain relief. This might include heel padding, strapping, or Class IV laser therapy to reduce inflammation and improve tissue tolerance. Stage two introduces strength exercises designed to build capacity in the foot, ankle, and calf. Stage three involves progressive loading, where we gradually increase activity while monitoring pain trends. Stage four is return to sport with a maintenance programme and education so your child knows how to look after their feet going forward.
Most children see significant improvement within four to six weeks when they follow the plan. Orthotics are not our first choice. We build foot strength through rehabilitation first and only introduce orthotics if they are still clinically needed. The goal is a strong, resilient foot that can handle sport without recurring problems.
You can find out more about how we treat heel pain in children at our Dublin clinics on our children’s foot health page.
What parents in Glasnevin are asking about heel pain in children
Q: Does my child need an X-ray for heel pain?
A: Most children with Sever’s disease do not need an X-ray. A podiatrist can diagnose it through a physical examination. X-rays are only recommended if we suspect a fracture or another underlying condition.
Q: Can my child keep playing sport with heel pain?
A: It depends on the severity. Mild pain that settles quickly may allow modified activity. If pain is affecting how your child moves or lasts into the next day, they need to reduce training while we address the cause.
Q: Will my child grow out of heel pain?
A: Sever’s disease does resolve once the growth plate closes, usually around age 14 or 15. However, waiting years for this to happen means your child misses out on sport and stays in pain. Treatment speeds up recovery and keeps them active.
Q: Are orthotics necessary for children with heel pain?
A: Not always. We focus on strengthening first. If gait analysis shows your child would benefit from additional support, Phits 3D printed orthotics can be made from their individual Footscan data. These are part of a structured programme, not a permanent fix.
When should you see a podiatrist in Dublin?
Bring your child to see a podiatrist if heel pain has lasted more than two weeks. Other signs include limping after activity, walking on tiptoes to avoid heel contact, or pain that wakes them at night. If your child is missing training sessions or avoiding sports they love, that is a clear signal to act.
Early assessment prevents a short term problem from becoming a long term issue. Patients from Dublin 11 and Dublin 14 can book online at our Finglas or Mount Merrion clinic.
CONCLUSION: Heel pain in children is common and treatable. With the right assessment and a structured recovery plan, most children return to full activity within weeks. Foot Focus Podiatry is one of Dublin’s largest podiatry providers, and our team specialises in getting young athletes back to the sports they love. Book online at footfocus.ie or call us at our Finglas or Mount Merrion clinic. Your child does not have to put up with sore heels.