When Kids’ Heel Pain Ruins Summer Fun

We have about a month and a half before the Roseburg Public Schools are back in session. (First day of the school year is September 6 this year!) This means children still have plenty of time to engage in summer activities like swimming at the Umpqua Community pool or playing at Stewart Park.

If your child is turning away from his or her favorite activities on account of heel pain, though, there is a decent chance Sever’s disease is to blame. This is particularly likely if you have an adolescent daughter who is active in sports, but Sever’s does affect boys as well.

Since the condition is not actually a disease or an injury, but rather one that develops in response to natural growth patterns, treatment for this condition is centered on addressing the symptoms and not correcting the issue. Fortunately, there are several options which can provide relief:

• Rest. This is especially beneficial when the heel pain is exacerbated by physical activity.
• Ice. Icing an affected heel three times a day for 20 minutes can help relieve the pain.
• Medication. Always consult with our office for specific dosage recommendations, but pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen can be quite effective.
• Shoe inserts or orthotics. Certain heel cups or arch supports can do a lot to improve the condition. In some cases, we prescribe custom orthotics to better address the issue.
• Physical therapy. We can provide an exercise regimen to properly stretch and strengthen connective tissues and muscles in your child’s lower limbs.

Don’t let Sever’s disease ruin the rest of your child’s summer vacation! Instead, contact the office of G. Jason Wilks, DPM for a professional diagnosis and effective treatment plan. If the source of the heel pain turns out to be something different than Sever’s—like perhaps a fractured bone or Achilles tendinitis—we can address those problems as well.

For more information about the various child foot care services we offer, or to receive assistance in scheduling a visit with our Roseburg, OR office, simply call (541) 673-0742. If you’d prefer, you can also request an appointment online right now on our website.