Growing Pains or Plantar Fasciitis? The Risks for Kids and Teens
If you have a child or teenager who constantly complains about their feet hurting after soccer practice or during a long family walk, you might be tempted to chalk it up to standard growing pains. However, teenagers and even younger children we see at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center are increasingly susceptible to plantar fasciitis. While we often think of this as an adult injury caused by years of wear and tear, the high-impact lifestyle of a modern teen can put the same strain on their developing feet.
Why Young Athletes Are at Risk of Plantar Fasciitis
The primary risk factor for kids and teens is the sudden spike in physical activity. When a teenager joins a sports team and goes from a relaxed summer to intense daily training, the plantar fascia can become inflamed.
Teenagers are also undergoing rapid growth spurts. Sometimes, their bones grow faster than their muscles and tendons, which leads to tight calf muscles. This tightness pulls on the heel and puts the plantar fascia under constant tension.
Identifying the Signs of Heel Strain
You might notice your child limping during their first few steps in the morning or complaining that their feet feel stiff after sitting in class. Unlike general growing pains, which usually strike at night and affect both legs, plantar fasciitis is typically localized to the bottom of the heel. It is most intense after periods of rest or during high-impact sports.
How to Support Developing Arches
The most important step in preventing and treating this condition is ensuring your child has the right foundation. Many popular teen shoe styles offer zero arch support, which forces the foot to collapse and strain the ligament with every step.
Check Their Sneakers: Ensure their sneakers have a firm heel and a rigid midsole that doesn't twist easily.
Avoid Flat Footwear: Limit the amount of time they spend in flimsy flip-flops or flat canvas slip-ons, especially if they are going to be walking long distances.
Incorporate Stretching: Encourage your teen to stretch their calves and arches daily. Using a simple tennis ball to roll out the bottom of the foot can provide significant relief after a long practice.
Before Plantar Fasciitis Becomes Chronic…
The most important thing you can do as a parent is to listen when they say their feet hurt. Catching plantar fasciitis early in children and teens usually means they can recover quickly with simple changes like better footwear and consistent stretching.
If the pain persists or causes your child to limp, a quick visit to a podiatrist can provide a specialized plan to get them back on the field safely.
At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we care for a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our teamare ready to serve our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.