As a podiatrist, one of the questions I get asked surprisingly often by worried parents is: can children get plantar fasciitis? The short answer is yes but the full picture is a little more nuanced, and worth understanding so you can take the right steps for your child.
Whether you’ve been searching for a plantar fasciitis specialist near me, exploring heel pain treatment options for your child, or simply trying to make sense of why your little one is limping after sport, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
▶ Watch on YouTube: Heel Pain In Children
Is Plantar Fasciitis Common in Children?
Plantar fasciitis — the inflammation of the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot — is far more commonly diagnosed in adults. When children experience heel pain, it’s often caused by something else entirely: growth plate syndromes, like Sever’s disease, are among the most frequent culprits. Children’s bodies are still developing, and the growth plates in their heels are particularly vulnerable during growth spurts.
That said, children absolutely can develop a form of plantar fasciitis. It tends to differ from the chronic plantar fasciitis we so often see in adults — the kind that builds up over months or years and requires more intensive heel pain treatment — but it is real, it is painful, and it is treatable.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis in Kids?
In children, plantar fasciitis is often linked to muscle tightness, particularly down the back of the leg. Tight calf muscles place extra strain on the plantar fascia, the connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Active children, especially those in sport-heavy school terms, are particularly susceptible.
Other contributing factors can include:
- Rapid growth spurts that cause muscles to tighten faster than bones lengthen
- High activity levels in football, basketball, running or dance
- Flat feet or high arches
A Simple At-Home Tip That Actually Works
Here’s a top tip worth trying before you even come and see us. If your child has heel pain or you suspect they might have plantar fasciitis, get them stretching their calves — and do it consistently.
The 21-Day Calf Stretch Protocol:
- Stretch three times a day
- Hold each stretch for 30 seconds
- Continue for three weeks (21 days)
Because children’s muscles are generally more responsive than adults’, this simple approach can produce remarkable results. The goal is to reduce the tension pulling on the plantar fascia, giving the foot a chance to settle.
If your child’s heel pain is still present after three weeks of consistent stretching, that’s your cue to get professional advice.
When to See a Heel Pain Specialist
Persistent severe pain on the heel of the foot, especially first thing in the morning or after periods of rest, is always worth investigating. If your child is avoiding activity, limping, or complaining regularly about sore heels, don’t wait. Early assessment means faster recovery and a quicker return to the things they love.
At our Heel Pain Clinic, we assess children’s heel pain thoroughly , looking at their gait, their footwear, and the full picture of their musculoskeletal health. We also investigate whether what’s presenting as plantar fasciitis might actually be a heel spur, a growth plate issue, or something else that needs a different approach.
Book Your Child’s Heel Pain Assessment
We currently have a special offer for new patients — a 65% discount on initial assessments to help families get answers without the financial stress.
SYDNEY FOOT SOLUTIONS
Book Here — 65% Off Initial Assessment
NORTHERN BEACHES HEEL PAIN CLINIC
