Heel pain is a frequent childhood complaint. That does not mean, though, that it should be unnoticed. Heel pain is a symptom and not a disease. Heel pain is a warning sign that a child has a condition that deserves attention. Heel pain problems in children are often associated with these signs and symptoms like pain in the back or bottom of the heel, limping, walking on toes, difficulty participating in usual activities or sports. The most common cause of bursitis heel pain is a disorder called calcaneal apophysitis that usually affects 8- to 14-year olds. Yet, bursitis heel pain may be the sign of many other problems and can occur at younger or older ages.

Causes of bursitis heel problem:

There are numeral possible causes for a child's heel pain. Since diagnosis can be challenging, a bursitis foot and ankle surgeon is best qualified to determine the cause of the pain and develop an effective treatment plan. To diagnose the bursitis underlying cause of the child's heel pain, the podiatric surgeon will first obtain a thorough medical history and ask few questions about recent activities. The surgeon will also observe the child's foot and leg. X-rays are often used to appraise the condition and in some cases the surgeon will order a bone scan, a magnetic resonance imaging study or a computerized tomography scan. Laboratory testing may also be ordered to help diagnose other less prevalent causes of pediatric heel pain.

Treatment Options:

The treatment selected depends upon the diagnosis and the harshness of the pain. For mild heel pain, treatment options are

1. Reduce activity - The child needs to decrease or stop any activity that causes pain.

2. Cushion the heel - Momentary shoe inserts are useful in softening the impact on the heel when walking, running and standing.

3. Medications - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, help reduce pain and inflammation.

4. Physical therapy - Stretching or physical therapy modalities are occasionally used to promote healing of the inflamed tissue.

5. Orthotic devices - Custom orthotic devices approved by the podiatric surgeon help support the foot properly. For severe heel pain, more destructive treatment options may be necessary.

6. Immobilization - Some patients need to use crutches to avoid all weight bearing on the affected foot for a while. In some harsh cases of bursitis heel pain, the child may be placed in a cast to promote healing whereas keeping the foot and ankle totally immobile.

7. Follow-up measures - After control or casting, follow-up care often includes use of custom orthotic devices, physical therapy, or strapping