Heel pain is a significant issue for everyone, but it can hit teens and adolescents even harder. Unfortunately, that’s the time of life when feet are still growing, and an active (or fashionable) lifestyle can take a toll.
It’s worth examining what teens and adolescents can do to prevent heel pain and steps to alleviate it if they are already experiencing discomfort.
Causes Of Heel Pain In Teens And Adolescents
There are a few reasons why heel pain is more common in teenagers than in any other age group. First, growth spurts can cause muscles and tendons to become stretched or strained.
Another common cause of heel pain in teenagers is participation in sports. Any sport involving running or jumping can put stress on the heels and lead to pain. Soccer, track, and basketball are all sports that routinely cause heel pain.
Pain levels can vary from dull to sharp and could be worse in the morning or when standing after sitting for an extended time. In addition, activities such as running, walking, or jumping could agitate the pain, create tenderness or cause heel swelling.
Treating Heel Pain In Teens And Adolescents
Teenagers can take practical steps to treat heel pain. First, avoid activities that aggravate heel pain. If a growth spurt is a cause, the pain should go away after a time.
Another treatment option is to apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. That can help reduce swelling and pain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, including ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain. However, as with any health concern, it is always best to consult a trusted care provider for advice.
In some cases, a caregiver may recommend physical therapy to help stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the heel. In addition, they may recommend a night splint to keep the Achilles tendon steady while sleeping.
In worst scenarios, surgery may be necessary if the pain is severe or does not improve with other treatments.
Heel Pain Prevention For Teens And Adolescents
Teenagers can do a few things to help prevent heel pain. One is to wear shoes that fit well and provide adequate support. Adding gel heel wedges can help to increase support and absorb impact, making walking and other activities less stressful on the feet.
Adolescents active in sports involving running or jumping should always warm up properly before playing and cool down afterward. In addition, wearing compression socks and proper shoes for the sport can help to reduce the chances of injury or heel pain.
As you might imagine, foot care is critical at this time in life. It’s setting the course for everything in life that comes next, from walking graduation stages, through college or vocational school doors, to down the aisle.
Prevention and treatment of heel pain in adolescents should include a multifaceted approach. Many products promote foot health, including insoles, arch supports, and orthotics. However, it is crucial to find the right product and wear them as prescribed by a physician or podiatrist. Heel pain can be debilitating, but it is often manageable.