Heel Pain

Heel pain can be caused by plantar fasciitis which is an inflamed area of the heel bone where a thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia attaches. This type of heel pain occurs on the bottom of the heel either with activity or after rest. Heel pain in the back of the heel is common in adolescents and may be caused by a condition called Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease is pain along a growth plate at the back of the heel and usually occurs in active children aged 8-14. The pain is caused by strain from the achilles  tendon which attaches to the back of the heel. One reason children may be susceptible to heel pain is that calf muscles and the achilles tendon are tight during growth spurts, which puts stress on the heel bone.