Key points about plantar fasciitis in children
- plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in tamariki
- the plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue at the bottom of the foot
- plantar fasciitis happens when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed
- active tamariki who play sports are more likely to get plantar fasciitis
- treatment includes rest, stretching exercises, and supportive footwear
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes.
The plantar fascia helps support the arch of the foot and absorbs impact when walking or running. For tamariki, overuse or extra strain can lead to inflammation and pain in this area.
About the heel
The heel is the back part of the foot. The back of the foot includes the:
- heel bone (calcaneus)
- ankle bone (talus)
- plantar fascia (attaches the heel bone to the toes)
- Achilles tendon (attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone)
Muscles, ligaments and tendons around the foot act like strong ropes to hold the bones together.
An illustration showing the different parts of the foot.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
Tamariki with plantar fasciitis have heel pain that they often feel at the bottom of their foot.
The pain is often worse:
- after physical activity
- in the morning
- after standing for long periods
The heel pain is usually worse after periods of rest. Plantar fasciitis pain can be sharp or dull.
An illustration showing the painful area in plantar fasciitis.
Other causes of heel pain
Another common cause of heel pain in tamariki is Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease causes pain at the back of the foot around the heel.
Who gets plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is more common in tamariki who are physically active. Especially for tamariki who do sports like running, gymnastics and football.
Tamariki who regularly wear shoes without arch support (such as jandals) may be more prone to plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis can happen to tamariki during a growth spurt. As they grow, there can be extra strain on the plantar fascia. Increased weight can also be a factor.
Causes of plantar fasciitis
Some of the causes of plantar fasciitis in tamariki include:
- repetitive strain on the plantar fascia from sport and physical activity
- wearing shoes with no arch support
- having tight muscles around the feet, such as a tight calf muscles
- having flat feet
- having high arches
When to see a health professional
If your child has ongoing foot pain, take them to a health professional. The health professional will ask you questions and examine your child to work out the cause of their heel pain.
Tests for plantar fasciitis
There are no specific tests for plantar fasciitis. A health professional can diagnose plantar fasciitis based on your child’s symptoms and by examining the foot.
A health professional may arrange an x-ray for your child to rule out other causes for your child’s pain.
Treatments for plantar fasciitis
Treatment for plantar fasciitis focuses on managing pain and reducing inflammation.
Rest and ice
Encourage your child to rest and limit any sports or activities that worsen their heel pain. Putting ice on the heel for 15 to 20 minutes at a time may help relieve their pain.
Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist can give your child exercises for stretching their foot and lower leg. These will help to relieve pain and strengthen the muscles around the foot.
Supportive footwear
Wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help reduce strain on the foot and can help reduce pain. A health professional may recommend that your child wear orthotics (such as gel heel cups or insoles) in their shoes. Orthotics are special inserts that sit inside the shoe. They can help reduce the pressure on the heel.
Pain relief
Short courses of pain relief medicine may be helpful for bad flares of pain, but pain relief shouldn’t be used for long periods of time. Talk to a health professional about how long and when to use pain relief.
Paracetamol
If your child has pain, you can give paracetamol to make them more comfortable. You must follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. It is dangerous to give more than the recommended dose.
Other medicine
If your doctor gives your child ibuprofen (such as Nurofen or Fenpaed), or if you buy it at the pharmacy, follow the dosage instructions carefully. It is dangerous to give more than the recommended dose. Never give your child aspirin, as this may increase the risk of Reye syndrome, which is a rare and serious illness.
Managing plantar fasciitis at home
Here are some things you can try at home to help manage your child’s heel pain.
Monitor their activity
Ensure your child gets enough rest and avoids activities that worsen their heel pain. Help them slowly return to physical activities as their symptoms improve.
Massage
Gentle massage can help ease pain from plantar fasciitis. You can do this by rolling the foot over an object like a rolling pin, golf ball or tennis ball. Have your child sit down, then roll the object back and forth under the foot, from heel to toe, applying gentle pressure.
Supportive footwear
Make sure your child is wearing supportive footwear, even when at school and home.
Prepare before activity
You can help your child prepare themselves before sports or activities. This includes making sure they have the right shoes for that activity. Also, encouraging them to stretch before and after any sports or activities can help.
Exercises
The physiotherapist or health professional may give your child stretching for their calves and feet. Encourage your child to do these regularly and build them into their routine.
Plantar fasciitis outlook
With treatment, plantar fasciitis gets better for most tamariki within a few weeks to months Rest, stretching and good supportive footwear will help your child get better and will lower the chance of plantar fasciitis coming back.
When to see a health professional urgently
See a health professional urgently if your child:
- has severe pain
- is unable to put any weight through their foot due to pain
- is walking differently
- has injured their foot
- has ongoing pain despite having pain relief medicine
- has pain that is stopping them from doing their daily activities
- has significant swelling, redness or heat around the foot area
- has a fever, loss of appetite or weight loss with the pain
If you are worried about your child for any reason, take them to a health professional.
Acknowledgements
Illustrations by Dr Greta File. Property of KidsHealth.
