Many conditions can cause heel pain in children. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, heel pain, including heel pain in children, can be caused by repetitive strain injuries, traumatic injuries and certain medical conditions. A child can experience pain behind the heel or beneath the heel. Heel pain in a child might be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the condition causing the pain and the tissues affected.
Sever's Disease
Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in children. According to the Family Doctor website, Sever's disease manifests in children when the growth plate--the part of the heel that grows during childhood and adolescence--is injured. During foot growth, the rate of bone growth often exceeds the rate of muscle and tendon growth. This growth imbalance can cause foot muscles and tendons to become tight. When a child participates in weight-bearing activity, her heel tendons can place too much pressure on the back of her heel, which is the location of Achilles tendon attachment. This excess stress on the heel tissues can injure the heel, causing Sever's disease. The Family Doctor website states that Sever's disease-related heel pain can occur on one or both sides of the body. Other common signs and symptoms associated with this condition include limping, heel pain that is worse with running and jumping and a tendency to walk on tip toes.
Blisters
Blisters are a common cause of heel pain in children. Blisters are caused by friction from shoes or clothing that rubs on a child's skin, which leads to friction burns in the affected area. As the outer layer of skin separates from the underlying layers, the space created between the layers fills with lymph fluid, according to the Sports Injury Clinic website. One of the most common locations for blisters in children is the back of the heel. Common signs and symptoms associated with blisters in children include pain and redness in the affected area and limping. According to the Kids Health website, a child will usually develop blisters the same day he wears uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes. If a child develops blisters on his heel but continues wearing the problem-causing footwear, his blister may develop into a callus. Calluses are areas of thick skin that are gray or yellow and feel bumpy.
Calcaneal Fractures
Calcaneal fractures, or fractures of the heel bone, can occur in people of all ages and cause heel pain. According to the Foot Health Facts website, calcaneal fractures are usually caused by a traumatic events, such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall from a jungle gym. Heel fractures can also occur with ankle sprains or be caused by repetitive stress on the heel bone. Common signs and symptoms associated with calcaneal fractures in children include sudden heel pain, the inability of the child to bear weight on the affected side, heel swelling and heel and ankle bruising. Treatment for calcaneal fractures depends on the type and extent of the fracture. Some types of heel fracture respond well to conservative care methods such as rest, ice, compression, elevation and immobilization. However, other types of heel fracture might require reconstructive surgery.
