When Active Children Develop Heel Pain

When Active Children Develop Heel Pain If the change to 2014 has your family back on a strict budget, it certainly doesn’t mean that fun has to go out the window – especially if you live in Dallas, TX! The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has a myriad of free and affordable family activities. Take a ride on the Forest Park Miniature Railroad, see the dramatic water fountains at Fountain Place, take in a musical at Artie’s Playhouse, or get lost in The Tubes—a massive indoor play area that is totally free. However, if your child complains of heel pain after a day out, pay attention.

Growing kids who are physically active can experience problems with heel pain, and it is typically due to a condition called Sever’s disease. The name may sound scary, but it is a common temporary heel injury that can be easily treated.

Children have a growth plate in the back of the heel bone, and the Achilles tendon inserts into this growth plate. With some children, the heel bone can grow at a faster rate than the leg muscles and tendons during a growth spurt. This can make the Achilles tendon tight and overstretched, and repeated stress over time can damage the growth plate and cause swelling, tenderness and pain and the back of the heel. A child who plays basketball, gymnastics, track or soccer is at higher risk because of the stress of training and sports.

The goal of treatment is pain relief, and we achieve this with rest, avoiding activities that could further aggravate the heel, stretches, exercises, icing, and wrapping. It is only in severe cases that full immobilization is necessary.

If your child has discomfort in their heel or any kind of foot pain, contact Dallas Podiatry Works. Pediatric podiatrists, Drs. Joel Brook, Arroyo, and McClurkin are particularly attentive to the needs of their young patients and can provide the treatment your child needs to stay active. Make an appointment today by calling our office in Dallas, TX at 972.853.7100 or in Plano, TX at (972) 943-3323.

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.