Pediatric plantar fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis in children?

Plantar fasciitis heel pain typically occurs in young athletes that participate in sports involving a lot of jumping or running — such as dancers, long-distance runners and basketball players.

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury in children.

The plantar fascia or arch tendon suffers trauma with every impact, causing it to swell and ache.

What are the signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis in children?

Symptoms will depend on the type and severity of the plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms can include:

• Pain at the bottom of the foot near the heel

• Pain that worsens as the day goes on

• Pain while stretching

• Pain that increases at night

• Pain that is significantly worse after activity

• Pain that increases after standing for long periods of time

• Pain that increases when the arch or sides of the foot are touched

• Pain that is worse in the morning and improves after walking or stretching

What are the causes of plantar fasciitis in children?

Plantar fasciitis is caused by the following:

• Extra weight putting pressure on the feet

• High-impact pressure or stress activities

• High arches, flat feet or other issues impacting the feet

• Improper stretching (warming up and cooling down)

• Improper footwear that doesn’t offer enough support or doesn’t properly fit

• Jobs that involve standing or walking on hard surfaces for long hours

• Tight calf muscles