Heel pain is a common reason children and teenagers see a podiatrist. Pain under the heel may relate to growth, the plantar fascia, the heel fat pad or activity load. This page explains plantar heel pain in children and how orthotic therapy, footwear and activity changes may help.
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Plantar heel pain refers to pain under the heel. In younger, active children the most common cause of heel pain is Sever’s disease, which affects the growth plate at the back and sides of the heel. In teenagers whose growth plates are maturing, heel pain may relate to the plantar fascia (plantar fasciopathy), the heel fat pad or overload from sport.
Heel pain can be influenced by footwear, hard training surfaces, increases in activity and foot posture, such as flat feet or high arches. For information on heel pain in adults, see our plantar heel pain and plantar fasciitis pages.
Management usually combines load management, orthotic therapy, footwear advice and stretching and strengthening programs.
Children may not always describe symptoms clearly, so parents often notice changes in walking, activity or footwear first. Common signs include:
A podiatry assessment considers your child’s growth stage, symptoms, foot posture, walking pattern, activity levels and footwear.
Identifies where the pain is located and which structures are involved.
Considers age and growth stage.
Assesses foot mechanics and walking and running patterns.
School, sport, surfaces and footwear.
Imaging or medical review if pain is unusual or persistent.
Management is tailored to your child’s age, activity level, foot posture and goals.
Orthotic therapy may be considered to cushion the heel, support the arch and reduce strain on the plantar fascia and heel growth plate. Heel cups and heel raises are often used for younger children, while teenagers may benefit from prefabricated or custom foot orthoses.
Orthoses are chosen according to your child’s age, foot posture, footwear and sport, and are reviewed as symptoms improve.
May help cushion the heel and reduce strain on painful structures.
Adjusting sport and activity while symptoms settle.
Supportive school and sports shoes.
Soft tissue therapy may be discussed for older children and teenagers.
Learn more about orthotic therapy, strengthening, stretching and strapping, or view all treatments. Related kids conditions include Sever’s Disease, foot apophysitis, flat feet, high arches, foot fatigue in sport.
Assessment can help identify the likely cause of heel pain and support your child to stay active.
Please see your GP if heel pain wakes your child at night, is present at rest, is accompanied by swelling, redness or fever, or follows an injury.
In active children aged around 8 to 14, Sever’s disease is the most common cause of heel pain.
It is less common in younger children but can occur in teenagers, particularly those who are very active or have recently increased activity.
Heel cups, heel raises and foot orthoses may help reduce heel pain as part of a management plan.
Not always. Modifying training load and footwear often allows continued participation.
We create a calm, supportive space to help children feel comfortable during assessment.
Where appropriate, prefabricated and custom foot orthoses are discussed based on assessment findings.
We help parents understand what is normal, what may need monitoring, and what can be supported.
Our clinic is located at 1/50 Kitchener Parade, Bankstown, and sees families from across Sydney, including Bankstown, Condell Park, Padstow, Revesby, Lakemba and Belmore. Visit our children’s podiatry page for more kids foot conditions, read about our clinic, or contact the clinic to make an appointment enquiry.
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual assessment and advice. Outcomes vary between children. If you are concerned about your child’s health, please consult your GP or a registered health practitioner.
