Although running and sports can improve a 10-year-old boy's cardiovascular system, coordination and musculoskeletal system, developing children are very susceptible to heel pain and injury. Pain in the heel after running can be debilitating, especially if it is left untreated. This makes it essential to understand why heel pain can occur while running and how it can be treated.
Symptoms
A 10-year-old boy can experience pain in one or both of his heels during and after running. Pain can intensify while running, jumping or squeezing both sides of the feet. Additional symptoms can include swelling, tenderness, inflammation, tendon tightness in the heel and soreness. Heel pain can cause a child to walk on tiptoe, making running -- and even walking -- difficult.
Causes
Foot pain can occur if a boy frequently runs on hard surfaces, plays sports that require excessive running such as soccer, or wears inappropriate footwear that irritates sensitive spots on the feet and does not provide proper support. Stepping on a hard object while running can result in a painful stone bruise on the heel. In addition, some conditions such as plantar fasciitis, a calcium deposit called a heel spur or Sever's disease can trigger heel pain after running.
Remedies
Have your child rest and cease any activity that results in heel pain until symptoms subside. Hold ice to the heel for about 20 minutes at a time several times a day. Give him the appropriate dosage of an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help ease pain and inflammation. A doctor can also provide a heel cup, arch support or orthotics to help provide support and keep your child's feet in line while running.
Tips
Buy shoes that fit your child properly. There should always be at least one finger's width of space from your child's longest toe to the end of his shoe. Have your child try on shoes while wearing athletic socks and with the laces tightly tied to ensure proper fit while running or playing sports. Do not allow your child to run excessively or over train. Children's growing bones are very susceptible to overuse injuries.
