Heel Pain in Kids

Heel Pain in Kids |  How Leading Health Podiatry Can Help

If your child has been complaining about sore heels, especially after sports, running around, or long days on their feet, you’re not alone. Heel pain in kids is one of the most common reasons parents bring their children to see a podiatrist. At Leading Health Podiatry in Modbury, we regularly help children overcome heel pain, enabling them to return to their activities with confidence and freedom from pain.

What Causes Heel Pain in Kids?

When we discuss heel pain in kids, one of the most common conditions we encounter is Sever’s disease (also known as calcaneal apophysitis). This typically affects active children (around 8–14 years old) during growth spurts. Repetitive impact and tight calf muscles can irritate the growth plate at the back of the heel, causing pain.

At Leading Health Podiatry, we recognise this pattern and are equipped to assess the root cause properly.

Beyond Sever’s disease, some other reasons your child may be experiencing heel pain include:

• Flat feet or poor foot posture placing extra stress on the heel

• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon tension

• Improper footwear (insufficient cushioning or support)

• Sudden increase in activity or sports load

• Growing pains or biomechanical changes during growth

A Simple Home Test for Heel Pain in Kids

If you suspect your child might have Sever’s disease, here’s a simple home test you can try:

1. The Squeeze Test: Gently squeeze both sides of your child’s heel using your palm and fingers. If this causes pain- especially compared to the foot that isn’t sore- it’s a strong indicator of Sever’s disease.

2. Heel Walking Test: Ask your child to walk on their heels with their toes lifted off the ground (only heels touching). Pain during this movement often points to heel inflammation.

3. Ask When It Hurts: Children with Sever’s typically feel pain when getting up after rest, at half-time during sports, or after physical activity.

If these symptoms sound familiar, we can help confirm the diagnosis at the clinic. Our podiatrists will assess the cause of pain, review footwear, check foot posture, test muscle flexibility and strength, and measure range of motion. From there, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan to relieve pain and support recovery.

Recognising the Signs of Heel Pain in Kids

You might notice your child:

• Limping or walking on their toes to avoid heel contact

• Complaining of pain in the back or the bottom of the heel after sport or activity

• Avoiding running, jumping, or activities they used to enjoy

• Holding or rubbing the heel, or saying it “hurts when I push here”

If heel pain persists or keeps returning, it’s time for a full assessment rather than just waiting for it to go away.

How Leading Health Podiatry Treats Heel Pain in Kids

At our podiatry clinic in Modbury, we use a structured, evidence-based approach to help children recover from heel pain and prevent it from returning.

Comprehensive assessment – We evaluate foot posture, gait, muscle tightness (especially calves/Achilles), and your child’s activity and footwear habits.

Tailored treatment plan – This may include:

• Stretching and strengthening exercises for calves and growing feet

• Advice on suitable footwear with proper support and cushioning

• Activity modification to reduce strain during recovery

• Custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and reduce pressure on the heel. Our clinic offers 3D-scanned, custom-made orthotics designed for growing feet.

Follow-up & prevention – We monitor progress, review footwear, and provide guidance to keep pain from returning as your child grows.

Why Choose Leading Health Podiatry for Your Child’s Heel Pain?

• We are a local clinic in Modbury, convenient for families in the area.

• As a Bupa Members First provider, we offer health fund–friendly services with on-the-spot claims for eligible patients.

• Our podiatrists are experienced in children’s foot conditions, including heel pain, flat feet, intoeing, and growth-related pain.

• We provide a friendly, supportive environment for children — making every visit comfortable and stress-free.

What You Can Do Now

If your child is experiencing heel pain, especially after activity or during growth phases:

• Don’t ignore persistent heel pain — early assessment prevents long-term issues.

• Check their shoes for proper fit, cushioning, and support.

• Encourage gentle calf stretches, but avoid pushing through pain.

• Contact our clinic at (08) 7134 3210 or book online to schedule a paediatric podiatry consultation.

We’ll identify the cause and help your child return to comfortable, active living.

Summary

Heel pain in kids is common but easily treatable when addressed early. At Leading Health Podiatry Modbury, we specialise in helping children overcome heel pain, ensuring they stay active, happy, and pain-free. If you’re concerned about your child’s heels, book an appointment today and let’s get them back on their feet with confidence.