Heel pain among growing athletes is most commonly attributed to Sever’s disease, officially known as calcaneal apophysitis.  Usually active children from the ages of 7 to 15 are the unfortunate people hindered by this heel pain.  The cause is overuse causing repetitive trauma on the growth plates in the heel.  Usually, this occurs earlier in development at ages 10 to 12, before student athletes enter into serious sports competition.

What are some symptoms of Sever’s Disease?  Heel tenderness, pain in the morning, pain when heel is squeezed, limping, pain during athletic activity (especially toward the end of workouts).

There are a variety of heel pain treatments for Sever’s Disease.  I could go on and on, but I really want to emphasize one: REST.  Especially if you are working with an athlete that is 10 to 12, do the kid a favor and make him or her rest or cut back on activity.  Of course icing and ibuprofen can help with symptoms.

Since heel pain can be caused by a number of different factors, the treatment of heel pain differs from case to case and is primarily based on the cause of heel pain.
• Plantar fasciitis: If the heel pain is caused by inflammation of tissues in the arch of the foot, a six- to eight-week program of conservative treatment is usually recommended. The treatment may also include temporary rest from sports or activities like consistent standing or walking that triggered the heel pain in the first place. As part of pain relief and treatment, you may be recommended doing stretching exercises, applying ice to the inflamed area, wearing specifically modified footwear, etc. This treatment may be complimented by anti inflammatory and pain killing medication. If this conservative treatment is not effective, you may be recommended to wear a night splint or a short leg cast.
• Heel spur: If your heel pain is caused by an abnormal growth of bone between the muscles and the heel bone, you may be recommended the use of shoe supports and medication.
• Calcaneal apophysitis: If your heel pain is caused by the center of the heel bone becoming irritated as a result of a new shoe or increased athletic activity, rest is usually the only treatment recommended. You need to avoid the shoes that caused the heel pain and you may also find pain relief in the use of heel pads and heel cushions.
• Bursitis:: If your heel pain is caused by the inflammation of the bursa sac, changing the type of footwear may be the only treatment recommended along with plenty of rest. Pain killers may be recommended in case of extreme inflammation.
• Pump bump: If your heel pain is caused by the abnormal growth of a bone at the back of your foot, the recommended treatment is similar to the treatment recommended for bursitis and heel spur. You are most likely to be recommended rest, pain medication in case of severe pain and the use of heel cushions and pads.