What to Do About Your Teenager’s Heel Pain

teenager heel pain When you think “heel pain,” you’re probably imagining a middle-aged adult after a hard day of work or a long run or hike. It’s supposed to be a condition for the old and older! So it can be concerning for a parent when their active teenager complains of heel pain, especially when it’s strong enough to keep them from performing their best (or playing at all) on the sports field.

That said, heel pain is quite common among tweens and teens, especially those playing a sport (or many of them!) and just hitting a growth spurt. In short, this is likely the result of Sever’s disease, a condition unique to growing kids due to the exposed position of the heel’s growth plate at this age.

So that’s the way, but what about the how? As a parent, how can you help your child get over their pain and get back in the game?

For starters, you need to make sure they take a break from athletics for a week or two to rest. This kind of heel pain usually doesn’t require aggressive treatment, but continuing to be active can lead to more serious chronic pain. You should also help them handle the pain with appropriate doses of over-the-counter medication, as well as ice for the heels.

Heel pain that doesn’t improve, gets worse, or keeps coming back should be evaluated by the team at Dallas Podiatry Works. Again, the odds are good that your child will not need surgery; however, they may need a little more help than you can provide at home. This may include the use of shoe inserts or custom orthotics, prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy. More extreme cases might require a few weeks in a cast, walking boot, or leg brace while the injury heals.

Fortunately, with proper care your child should be back out and about, at full activity, in the not-too-distant future. If you need a little assistance getting your little one back on track, call the Dallas Podiatry Works today at 972.853.7100.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.