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Heel Pain: A Parent's Guide

Is your child complaining of heel pain after sport? It may be Sever's disease, a common growth-related condition in active children aged 8 to 14. Here is what to look for and what to do.

If your child is active and complaining of heel pain, it may be Sever's disease, a common growth-related condition in active children aged 8 to 14.

It happens when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated from repeated running and jumping. Children who play sports like football are especially at risk due to training frequency, hard playing surfaces and growth spurts.

Common Signs

  • Pain at the back or bottom of the heel
  • Limping after training, matches or active play
  • Pain that improves with rest
  • Discomfort during growth spurts

The good news? It is temporary and treatable, but early management is key.

What To Do Next

Ignoring heel pain can lead to longer recovery times. The right treatment plan may include:

  • Activity modification
  • Strength and flexibility work
  • Load management
  • Footwear advice
  • Return-to-sport planning

A physiotherapist can assess your child properly, reduce pain and guide a safe return to sport.

If your child has ongoing heel pain, book a physiotherapy appointment early. The sooner it is managed, the quicker they can get back to the activities they love with confidence.

About the Author: Jordan Templeton, MSc Physiotherapy

Jordan Templeton is an experienced physiotherapist with over 7 years of professional experience, including elite professional football. He treats a wide range of muscle, joint and sports injuries at his Kilmarnock clinic, serving patients across Ayrshire.

Jordan's background includes 4 years coaching at Kilmarnock FC Academy, physiotherapy roles at Kilmarnock FC and Hearts of Midlothian FC, and he currently works full time as a physiotherapist for Kilmarnock FC. He holds an MSc in Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) from Glasgow Caledonian University and a First Class Honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of the West of Scotland.

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