Heel Pain in Kids Isn’t Just “Growing Pains” 👣

August 5 2025

As parents, we’ve all heard the phrase “growing pains” to explain away aches in children’s legs or feet. While mild, occasional soreness can sometimes be related to growth, persistent heel pain should never be ignored.

One common but often overlooked cause in children is plantar fasciitis — an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes.

Although plantar fasciitis is well-known in adults, many parents are surprised to learn that kids can get it too — and it can make even simple activities like walking to class or playing on the playground uncomfortable.

Why Does Heel Pain Happen in Kids?

Children’s feet are constantly growing and changing, and active lifestyles can put extra stress on developing structures. The most common causes of plantar fasciitis in children include:

Poor Shoe Support – Shoes that are too worn, too flat, or lack proper arch support can strain the plantar fascia.
Overuse Injuries – Sports like soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or running can overwork the heel and arch area.
Flat Feet or High Arches – Structural foot differences can increase tension in the plantar fascia.
Sudden Growth Spurts – Rapid changes in bone length can pull on tendons and ligaments, making them more prone to injury.

Back-to-School Season: Why This Time of Year Matters

During the school year, kids spend long hours on their feet — walking through hallways, standing in classrooms, participating in PE, and playing after school sports.

The wrong shoes during this time can set the stage for plantar fasciitis. Think about it: if your child’s shoes are old, worn down, or weren’t fitted for proper arch support, every step could be adding strain to their feet.

Signs Your Child’s Heel Pain Isn’t “Just Growing Pains”

You should be concerned if your child:

Complains of sharp heel pain first thing in the morning or after sitting for a while.
Has pain that worsens after sports or physical activity.
Walks on their toes to avoid putting pressure on their heel.
Seems less active or avoids running and jumping.

If these symptoms continue for more than a few days, it’s time for a professional evaluation.

Why Early Care is Important

If plantar fasciitis goes untreated, children may develop altered walking patterns to avoid pain. Over time, this can lead to knee, hip, or back problems.

The good news? With early intervention, most kids recover quickly and return to normal activity without long-term issues.

How We Treat Pediatric Heel Pain at FFLC

At Family Foot & Leg Center, we take a comprehensive approach:

Footwear Recommendations – Helping parents choose the right shoes for support and cushioning.
Custom Orthotics – Tailor-made inserts to support arches and correct imbalances.
Activity Modifications – Temporary adjustments to sports or PE to allow healing.
Gentle Stretching & Strengthening Exercises – To improve flexibility and prevent recurrence.
Advanced Treatments – For persistent cases, we have cutting-edge therapies to speed healing.

Prevention Tips for Parents

Replace shoes regularly – Active kids often wear out shoes faster than we realize.
Check shoe fit and support – Look for proper arch support, a firm heel counter, and cushioned soles.
Encourage stretching – Especially before and after sports.
Watch for early signs of discomfort – Don’t wait for severe pain before taking action.

Don’t Wait — Heel Pain Won’t Fix Itself

If your child has heel pain, the safest choice is to get it checked. Whether it’s plantar fasciitis or another condition, early diagnosis means a faster return to pain-free play.

📍 Schedule a pediatric foot exam today at Family Foot & Leg Center. Our team is here to keep kids walking, running, and playing without pain.

📞 Call 239-430-3668 (FOOT) to book an appointment.

Family Foot & Leg Center – We Keep You Walking.

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Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has multiple convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies.

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