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 are unsure whether their child’s heel pain is serious or something that will pass on its own. The good news is that heel pain in children is rarely caused by anything dangerous. But that does not mean it should be ignored. Left untreated, it can keep active kids on the sidelines for months. This post will explain what causes heel pain in children, what symptoms to watch for, how we treat it at Foot Focus Podiatry, and when you should book an appointment.
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 actually a disease. It is an irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel bone. Growth plates are areas of developing cartilage where bone growth occurs. In children, these areas are softer and more vulnerable to stress than mature adult bone.
Sever’s disease typically affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. This is when they are growing quickly and often most active in sport. The problem occurs when the Achilles tendon pulls repeatedly on the heel bone during running, jumping, or kicking. The growth plate cannot handle the load being placed on it. Pain is the result.
Several factors increase the risk. Tight calf muscles are common during growth spurts and place extra tension on the heel. Children who play high impact sports like football, GAA, basketball, or athletics are more likely to develop symptoms. Poor footwear with little cushioning or support can make things worse. Flat feet or high arches can also change how forces travel through the foot during activity.
The underlying principle is straightforward. Pain happens when load exceeds tissue capacity. A child’s heel simply cannot tolerate the demands being placed on it. Treatment focuses on reducing that load while building the tissue’s ability to cope.
What are the symptoms of heel pain in children?
Children with Sever’s disease usually complain of pain at the back or bottom of the heel. The pain is typically worse during or after physical activity. Running, jumping, and playing sport all make it flare up. Many children limp or walk on their toes to avoid putting pressure on the heel.
The pain often improves with rest but returns as soon as they become active again. Some children feel stiff in the morning or after sitting for a while. Squeezing the sides of the heel usually reproduces the pain. There is rarely any visible swelling or bruising.
If your child is limping, avoiding sport they normally love, or complaining of heel pain that has lasted more than a week or two, it is time to have them assessed. Early intervention leads to faster recovery and less time away from the activities they enjoy.
How is heel pain in children treated at Foot Focus Podiatry?
At Foot Focus Podiatry, every child with heel pain receives a thorough assessment. This includes a detailed history, muscle and joint testing, and baseline strength testing. Our CORU-registered podiatrists want to understand exactly what is causing the pain and what activities matter most to your child.
Treatment follows our four stage recovery model. Stage 1 focuses on immediate pain relief. This might include heel padding, strapping, or Class IV laser therapy to reduce discomfort and help the tissue tolerate early rehabilitation. Stage 2 introduces strengthening exercises. These are designed to build capacity in the calf, Achilles, and foot so the heel can handle more load over time.
Stage 3 involves progressive loading. Activity levels are gradually increased while monitoring how the heel responds. Most children can continue modified activity during this phase rather than complete rest. Stage 4 is the return to sport with a maintenance programme and education for both child and parent.
For children with chronic or recurring heel pain, we use our Gait and Motion Footscan pressure plate to capture thousands of data points showing exactly how forces travel through the foot. If orthotics are indicated, we prescribe Phits 3D printed orthotics manufactured from this individual data. Orthotics are never a permanent solution. They support recovery while we build strength through rehabilitation.
Most children see significant improvement within four to six weeks when they follow the programme consistently. You can find out more about how we treat heel pain in children at our Dublin clinics on our heel pain page.
What parents in Glasnevin are asking about heel pain in children
Q: Can my child keep playing sport with Sever’s disease?
A: Most children can continue modified activity during treatment. Complete rest is rarely needed. Your podiatrist will guide you on which activities are safe and how to manage load during recovery.
Q: Do I need a GP referral to bring my child to a podiatrist?
A: No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by phone. Our CORU-registered podiatrists can assess, diagnose, and treat your child’s heel pain without a GP letter.
Q: Will my child need orthotics for heel pain?
A: Not always. Orthotics are only prescribed if still clinically indicated after assessment. Many children recover fully with strengthening and load management alone. Orthotics support rehabilitation rather than replace it.
Q: Will Sever’s disease cause long term problems?
A: Sever’s disease does not cause permanent damage. Once the growth plate closes, usually in the mid-teens, the condition resolves completely. Proper treatment ensures your child stays active and avoids prolonged pain in the meantime.
When should you see a podiatrist in Dublin?
Book an appointment if your child has heel pain that lasts more than two weeks, pain that causes limping or walking on tiptoes, pain that stops them participating in sport or PE, or pain that returns every time they try to increase activity. These are signs that rest alone will not solve the problem.
If you are based in Dublin 11 or Dublin 14, our clinics in Finglas and Mount Merrion are easy to reach. You can book online at footfocus.ie or call either clinic directly.
CONCLUSION: Heel pain in children is common, treatable, and should not keep your child on the sidelines for months. Early assessment and a structured recovery programme get most kids back to full activity quickly. Foot Focus Podiatry is one of Dublin’s largest podiatry providers, with clinics in Finglas and Mount Merrion. Book online at footfocus.ie or call us to get your child the help they need.