You know what they say — they grow up so fast!
Absolutely they do, along with all of their bones and muscles that are constantly growing until they become big, strong and often taller than you! But why do some kids experience growing pains in their feet and legs and what are they? Sole Motion Podiatry talks growing kids feet!
So, what are growing pains?
The term ‘growing pains’ is truly an overused and under-explained term that is used almost as an excuse to explain the pain that kids feel as they grow. When these growing pains are located at the back of their heels, this is actually called Sever’s Disease, or medically speaking calcaneal apophysitis.
Sever’s Disease?
Don’t worry! Despite the misleading name, Sever’s is not a disease but a temporary condition that occurs during growth – particularly at growth spurts between 8 and 14 years old.
The condition describes the inflammation of the growth plate that’s located at the back of your heel bone. While we grow, our bones have growth plates through which new bone is added so our bones lengthen. When we reach maturity, the growth plates seal and we have a fully formed, solid and strong bone. Until then, unfortunately, the growth plates remain vulnerable to tension that pulls at it, causing it to become inflamed – and very painful!
And what causes this growth plate to become inflamed and painful?
Typically, the tension and force on the heel that aggravates the growth plate comes from the achilles tendon due to its attachment to the end of the heel bone. This happens where the achilles tendon may be naturally tight, or is tighter than normal because the bone has lengthened at a faster rate than the tendon, creating a tight pull onto the heel.
This pull is exacerbated by:
- Running and jumping sports that constantly engage the achilles tendon at a high load
- Low set footy boots that keep the heel sitting low in the shoe and result in a tighter pull on the heel bone from the achilles tendon
I’ve heard they just need to wait it out – is this true?
Absolutely not! By understanding how the pain is occurring, we can not only reduce the pain and limit the inflammation but also stop it continuing to prevent your child from running, playing and doing the things they love. We conduct a thorough biomechanical assessment to ensure we know exactly what’s going on in the feet and legs with every step.
The Sole Motion difference is that instead of using only standard techniques such as footwear and orthotics to keep the heel in a position that places less tension on the achilles tendon and heel bone, we work to lengthen and strengthen the tendon and associated musculature itself.
We do this because we don’t want to just give you a temporary solution that only works while you’re wearing it but to help your body with its own intrinsic strength and flexibility that works no matter where you are, what you’re doing or what shoes you’re in (or not in!).
There’s nothing we love more than seeing kids happy, healthy and playing with their friends without the fear of pain – or even the thought of it. Pain isn’t a normal part of childhood and it shouldn’t have to be put up with or waited out.
If your kids are battling with heel pain, bring them in to see our great kids foot experts here at Sole Motion Podiatry. Give us a call on 1300-FX-FEET.
Good luck with your season!
