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Post-Run Pain: Is It Just Soreness or an Injury?

Daniel Perri — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:01:38 +0000

You’ve finished the event and pulled up sore – but is it normal recovery, or the start of an injury?

For runners, some post-event soreness is completely normal. After a hard effort, longer distance, hills, or a race-day push, it’s common to feel stiff, tired, and tender for a few days.

But not all post-run pain is normal soreness.

Sometimes what feels like “tightness” or “just a niggle” is actually an irritated structure that needs more than rest alone. Knowing the difference early can help you recover properly and avoid turning a small problem into a longer interruption to training.

What normal post-event soreness usually feels like

After a run or event, it is common to experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This is the kind of soreness that often appears after a harder session, longer distance, hills, or a race effort that pushes you beyond your recent training load.

Normal post-event soreness usually:

starts later that day or the next day
peaks around 24 to 72 hours after the event
feels like general muscle tightness, heaviness, or tenderness
often affects both sides fairly evenly
gradually improves over several days

You’ll often notice this in the calves, quads, hamstrings, or glutes. It may make stairs feel harder or your legs feel heavy, but it should slowly settle.

Normal soreness is usually broad, predictable, and improving.

When pain is more likely to be an injury

Pain is more concerning when it feels specific rather than general.

It may be more than just soreness if:

the pain is sharp or very localised
it started during the event or soon after
one side is much worse than the other
you are limping
there is swelling or bruising
it hurts to walk, not just run
it keeps coming back when you try to run again
it is not improving after several days

A simple rule of thumb: soreness is usually general and temporary; injury pain is more likely to be specific and stubborn.

Common post-event issues runners ignore

A lot of runners try to “wait and see” for too long, especially if they have another event coming up or don’t want to lose momentum. The problem is that many running-related issues are easier to manage early than after several weeks of pushing through.

Plantar heel pain

Pain under the heel or through the arch, often worse with the first few steps in the morning or after rest.

Achilles tendon pain

Pain or stiffness at the back of the heel or lower calf, especially after loading or the day after a run.

Shin pain

Aching or tenderness along the shin. Some cases are simple overload, while more focal or persistent pain needs closer assessment.

Forefoot pain

Pain through the ball of the foot or toes, often linked to training load, footwear, or repetitive pressure.

What to do in the first 48 to 72 hours

If you’re not sure whether it’s soreness or injury, the first few days matter.

A good starting point is to:

temporarily reduce your running load
avoid pushing through sharp or worsening pain
keep moving gently if comfortable
wear supportive footwear
monitor whether symptoms improve day by day

One of the most common mistakes runners make is doing a “test run” too early. If pain is already there with walking, hopping, calf raises, or your first few steps in the morning, another run usually just adds more load to an irritated area.

When should you get it checked?

It’s worth booking an assessment if:

pain is not improving after a few days
you are limping
it hurts during normal walking
you cannot return to training comfortably
the pain keeps returning
you have an upcoming event or training goal

Getting it checked early is not just about pain relief. It’s about understanding what is being overloaded and what will actually help it settle.

That may include:

load modification
footwear advice
strengthening and rehab
taping or temporary support
shockwave therapy
custom orthotics

Where shockwave therapy may help runners

For some runners, the problem is not just muscle soreness — it is irritation of a tendon or fascia that needs more targeted treatment.

Shockwave therapy may be helpful in appropriate cases, particularly for conditions such as:

plantar heel pain
Achilles tendon pain
Calf, Hamstring and Quad muscle pain
stubborn soft tissue overload presentations

It is often considered when symptoms are:

lingering
slow to improve
recurring
limiting a return to running

For the right condition, shockwave therapy can be a useful part of treatment by helping stimulate healing and reduce pain sensitivity. It works best as part of a broader plan, alongside the right diagnosis, load management, and rehab.

Where orthotics may help runners

Not all running pain is caused by foot mechanics. But in some cases, support and load redistribution can make a real difference.

Orthotics may help when the goal is to:

reduce strain on an irritated structure
improve load distribution
provide support during recovery
help with recurring overload patterns
improve comfort in running shoes

This can be particularly useful in cases such as:

plantar heel pain
recurring arch strain
some forefoot overload issues
symptoms linked to repeated mechanical stress

Orthotics are not about putting every runner into an insert. They are used when extra support may help reduce stress on a painful area and make it easier to progress back into activity.

Why the right treatment plan matters

One of the biggest frustrations for runners is getting stuck in a cycle: rest a few days, try running again, flare it up, then start over.

A better approach is to work out:

whether the pain is normal soreness or an injury
which structure is involved
what is keeping it irritated
what treatment is most likely to help

For some runners, that means simple load adjustment and rehab. For others, it may include more targeted support such as shockwave therapy or orthotics to help reduce stress and improve comfort during recovery.

Running pain in Wagga Wagga, Wodonga or Albury?

If your post-run pain is not settling the way it should, our team at The Foot Clinics can help.

We work with runners across Wagga Wagga, Wodonga and Albury to assess foot, heel, and lower limb pain after training, races, fun runs, and community events. Whether your symptoms need reassurance, a treatment plan, shockwave therapy, or support through custom orthotics, the goal is the same: identify the problem early and help you move forward with confidence.

Book your Foot Pain Assessment

Learn more about Shockwave Therapy

Learn more about Custom Orthotics

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to be sore after a running event?

Yes. General muscle soreness after a harder effort is common, especially in the 24 to 72 hours after an event. It should gradually improve rather than worsen.

How do I know if it’s soreness or an injury?

Soreness is usually broad, even, and improving. Injury pain is more likely to be sharp, localised, one-sided, or persistent.

Can shockwave therapy help running injuries?

It can help certain conditions, particularly issues like plantar heel pain or Achilles tendon pain, when they are not settling with basic management alone.

Can orthotics help with running pain?

In the right case, yes. Orthotics may help reduce load on irritated structures, improve support, and assist with recurring overload patterns.

Do all runners with pain need orthotics or shockwave?

No. The best treatment depends on the diagnosis, how long the pain has been there, and what is driving it.

Not sure if it’s soreness or an injury?

If your pain is sharp, lingering, worsening, or simply not following the usual recovery pattern, it’s worth getting clarity early.

Our team can assess what’s going on and guide you through the most appropriate treatment options – whether that means advice, rehab, shockwave therapy, orthotics, or a combination of the above.

The post Post-Run Pain: Is It Just Soreness or an Injury? first appeared on The Foot Clinics - Wagga & Wodonga.

Next-Gen Custom Orthotics: Why TPU Is the Future of Foot Pain Relief

Daniel Perri — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:30:56 +0000

Backed by research. Built for comfort. Designed in-house by our podiatry team.

At The Foot Clinics, we’ve adopted a new approach.

Our Next-Gen Orthotics are designed and 3D printed in-house using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) — a medical-grade material that provides improved comfort, performance, and clinical outcomes. This next-generation solution is engineered to reduce pressure, enhance shock absorption, and respond more naturally to foot movement.

If you’ve worn orthotics before and found them hard, uncomfortable, or difficult to break in – you’re not alone. Traditional orthotics have often relied on rigid plastics or dense foams that offer support but little in the way of comfort.

That’s exactly why we developed our Next-Gen Orthotics at The Foot Clinics.

Using a high-performance material called TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and custom 3D printing technology, these devices offer superior comfort, support, and fit.

So, What Makes These Orthotics “Next-Gen”?

Next-Gen Orthotics combine digital scanning, computer-aided design (CAD), and in-house 3D printing using TPU to deliver a highly individualised device.

Key features include:

High-resolution 3D scans of your foot and gait
Zoned design options to modify flexibility, firmness, and thickness in targeted regions
Rapid in-house manufacturing, reducing turnaround from weeks to days
Customisable geometry, allowing adjustments to arch support, heel cups, and forefoot control based on pathology

This process not only enhances fit but ensures biomechanical precision, making it suitable for a broad range of clinical presentations.

What is TPU — and Why Does It Matter?

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a flexible, durable polymer commonly used in high-performance footwear, sports gear, and medical devices. Unlike EVA foam or hard polypropylene, TPU offers superior mechanical properties relevant to orthotic design.

Advantages of TPU orthotics include:

Enhanced shock absorption and energy return during loading
Greater tensile strength and shape retention over time
Improved comfort under variable loading conditions (e.g. walking, running, standing)
Heat and abrasion resistance, contributing to long-term wearability

These properties allow for a more adaptive and resilient device that maintains its function and structure even under high daily usage.

What the Research Suggests:

A 2022 pilot study showed that air-filled TPU heel cushions significantly reduced plantar pressure in standing – ideal for people with heel pain or plantar fasciitis.
A 2023 treadmill study comparing EVA and TPU orthotics found that material choice influenced foot and ankle mechanics, meaning TPU may affect how you move, not just how you feel.
A 2020 review of insole materials found that polyurethane-based insoles reduced peak plantar pressures more effectively than using footwear alone.

These findings suggest TPU-based orthotics may offer improved comfort and function – especially when custom-designed using accurate scans and gait analysis.

Comfort, Engineered Into Every Step

Comfort plays a central role in orthotic adherence. Devices that are painful, bulky, or stiff are less likely to be worn — reducing their therapeutic value.

TPU’s unique mechanical profile allows us to deliver orthotics that:

Distribute plantar pressures more evenly across the foot
Minimise peak load at common pain sites like the heel and arch
Enhance step-to-step responsiveness, improving gait efficiency
Reduce the need for lengthy break-in periods, particularly in closed footwear

The result is a clinically effective device that supports movement while respecting individual comfort thresholds — particularly important in long workdays, sports participation, or chronic pain scenarios.

Who Benefits Most From Next-Gen Orthotics?

TPU orthotics are suitable for a wide range of conditions and patient types, but are particularly valuable for:

Individuals with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, or chronic heel pain
Active individuals seeking shock absorption and energy return
Patients with sensitive feet or past difficulty tolerating rigid orthotics
Workers exposed to prolonged standing or hard surfaces

These orthotics can also be tailored to specific footwear types — including athletic, work, or school shoes — making them versatile across daily activities.

Available at Wagga and Wodonga Clinics

Our Next-Gen Orthotics are available at both our Wagga and Wodonga clinics, with fast turnaround and expert podiatrist care at each location.

Whether you’re dealing with heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or just looking for a more comfortable, supportive solution — our team is ready to help.

Available at Wagga and Wodonga Clinics

If you’re experiencing foot pain, fatigue, or have struggled with orthotic comfort in the past, our Next-Gen Orthotics offer a forward-thinking solution. Designed by podiatrists, powered by technology, and built for real-life wear.

Book your 3D orthotic assessment
Learn more about our Next-Gen Orthotics

Frequently Asked Questions

What are TPU orthotics?

TPU orthotics are custom foot devices manufactured using thermoplastic polyurethane. This material offers superior cushioning, durability, and pressure redistribution compared to traditional orthotic materials.

Are TPU orthotics effective for plantar fasciitis?

Yes. TPU orthotics can help reduce peak pressure under the heel and arch, a key factor in the management of plantar fasciitis. Their comfort profile also improves compliance, which is essential for long-term symptom relief.

How are TPU orthotics different from regular orthotics?

Unlike standard orthotics made from EVA or rigid plastic, TPU orthotics are 3D-printed with customisable zones of flexibility and firmness. This results in better fit, faster turnaround, and more patient-specific outcomes.

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Plantar Warts: Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Treat Them

Daniel Perri — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 22:52:59 +0000

Effective, fast, and pain-minimised wart treatment with SWIFT therapy at The Foot Clinics

If you’ve been struggling with a stubborn wart on the bottom of your foot, you’re not alone. Plantar warts are one of the most common and frustrating foot conditions we see at The Foot Clinics. Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), they often go misdiagnosed and mistreated for months – sometimes years.

If you’re ready to stop wasting time on home remedies or painful freezing treatments, it’s time to consider SWIFT microwave therapy – now available at our Wagga and Wodonga clinics.

What Is a Plantar Wart? And How Do You Know You Have One?

Plantar warts (also called verrucae) are small, grainy growths that develop on the sole of the foot. They’re caused by a strain of HPV that enters through microscopic breaks in the skin.

Key signs of a plantar wart:

Pain when walking or standing (especially in one spot)
A circular lesion with hard skin around it
Black dots in the centre (clotted blood vessels)
Interruption of the normal skin lines
Feels like “a stone in your shoe”

Warts are often mistaken for corns or calluses, but they are contagious and can spread—especially in shared spaces like gyms, pools, and bathrooms.

Why Over-the-Counter Wart Treatments Often Fail

Most home treatments (like salicylic acid or freezing sprays) only target the surface of the wart. But the virus itself lives deeper within the skin, meaning the wart often returns—and may even spread.

Some drawbacks of traditional treatments:

Long treatment timelines (weeks or months)
Can damage surrounding healthy tissue
Painful recovery or multiple visits
Limited effectiveness for deep or longstanding warts

This is where SWIFT therapy comes in: fast, minimally invasive, and more effective.

Introducing SWIFT Microwave Therapy: A Breakthrough in Wart Treatment

Available at Wagga and Wodonga Clinics

We are proud to be one of the few clinics in the region offering SWIFT microwave therapy. Our podiatrists are trained in this technology and will assess your lesion to ensure accurate diagnosis before recommending treatment.

Learn more about SWIFT here: SWIFT Therapy

Book Your Wart Assessment Today

Don’t let painful plantar warts keep you off your feet. If you’re looking for a trusted podiatrist in Wagga or Wodonga to treat stubborn warts, our team is here to help.

Book online today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier feet

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Running Smart: How Amateur Runners Can Avoid Injury

Daniel Perri — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 01:02:28 +0000

Why Amateur Runners Get Injured

Many new or casual runners jump straight into training without giving much thought to their feet, shoes, or running style. The feet absorb forces equivalent to 2–3 times your body weight with every step, so small errors can compound into major problems. Some common risk factors we see include:

Rapid increase in mileage or intensity
Going from 0 to 5km three times a week without a gradual build-up puts huge strain on muscles, joints, and tendons.
Poor footwear choices
Worn-out or inappropriate shoes fail to support your feet and can change your biomechanics, increasing the risk of pain or injury.
Biomechanical imbalances
Flat feet, high arches, or unstable ankles can alter your gait, creating extra stress on the knees, hips, and lower back.
Inadequate recovery
Rest days are when your body adapts and strengthens. Ignoring them can lead to fatigue-related injuries like shin splints or stress fractures.

Common Injuries in Amateur Runners

From a podiatry perspective, the most common running-related injuries we see include:

Plantar Fasciitis – Heel pain caused by overloading the plantar fascia, often due to poor footwear or sudden mileage increases.
Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) – Pain along the shin bone from repetitive impact and poor lower limb mechanics.
Achilles Tendinopathy – Inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon, usually from overtraining or tight calves.
Stress Fractures – Small cracks in bones from repetitive impact, often in the foot or lower leg.
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain) – Pain around the kneecap linked to poor alignment and weak hip or glute muscles

Early recognition and proper management are essential to prevent these conditions from becoming long-term problems.

Training Mistakes Amateur Runners Make

Many injuries are avoidable. These are the most frequent mistakes we see among new runners:

Doing too much, too soon – Skipping the gradual build-up in distance or speed.
Ignoring strength training – Weak glutes, hips, and core muscles contribute to poor running form.
Neglecting warm-up and cool-down – Cold muscles are more prone to strain, and skipping stretching can reduce recovery.
Running on hard or uneven surfaces only – Repetitive impact without variation can overload the same structures.
Self-diagnosing and running through pain – Minor niggles often become serious injuries when ignored.

Podiatry Tips for Injury Prevention

Here are some strategies we recommend to our running patients:

Invest in proper footwear
Have your gait assessed and choose running shoes that suit your foot type and training goals.

Follow the 10% rule
Increase mileage by no more than 10% per week to allow your body to adapt safely.

Strength and mobility are key
Include calf raises, hip bridges, and balance exercises to support lower limb stability.

Listen to your body
Pain is your body’s way of signaling overload. Early intervention saves time off training later.

Get a professional assessment
A podiatry consultation can identify biomechanical risks and prevent injury before it happens.

Don’t Let Injury Stop Your Stride

If you notice heel pain, shin discomfort, or any of the issues above, don’t wait for it to worsen. Book an appointment with The Foot Clinics today for a professional assessment, personalised treatment, and advice to keep you running strong—pain free.

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Plantar Fasciitis

Daniel Perri — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 06:01:50 +0000

“My heel and feet hurt first thing when I get up in the morning or after sitting for a period of time, often gets worse during the day”

What is the Plantar Fascia?

The Plantar Fascia is a thick band of connective tissue on the bottom of your foot that attaches to the heel bone and runs along the bottom of the foot to the forefoot. The plantar fascia acts as a “spring” to support the foot when walking, running and jumping. The Plantar fascia is designed to help absorb shock and push you forward when walking.

What is Plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel and foot pain and can present in different ways. Pain from plantar fasciitis can be present anywhere along the main arch of the foot or can be present directly under the heel. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation/swelling of the plantar fascia often associated with micro tears within the soft tissue of the fascia. Plantar fasciitis can also be a result of inflammation and pain at the attachment sites on the heel bone.

What are the symptoms?

The most common clinical symptom of plantar fasciitis we see is a sharp pain under the heel or arch when you take your first few steps in the morning that gets better with time. Other symptoms can include an ache in the arch or burning sensation after prolonged standing or sitting and pain upon rest at the end of the day. Often the heel or inside of the arch can become swollen and hot to touch also.

What causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is caused by an increase in force and stress along the plantar fascia. Repeated stretching or overuse can cause the soft tissue to tear or become inflamed. This repeated stress can also result in minor micro tears in mild cases but in extreme cases result in complete rupture of the plantar fascia. There are a number of risk factors that contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.

These include:

Sudden increase in exercise
Poor quality or fitting footwear
Age – the most common age to develop plantar fasciitis is between 35 and 65.
Foot mechanics – people with a flatter foot or high arch are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.
Occupation – people who work long hours on hard and/or uneven surfaces are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. For example, factory workers, nurses, teachers and builders.

What is the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis?

The first line of treatment involves reducing your symptoms by treating the inflammation that’s causing your pain. This involves icing the region, exercises to help with residual inflammation and stretches to address your individual mechanics. Your podiatrist will also likely trial some padding if they deem it necessary to look for improvements with your symptoms.

The next step in the treatment process is looking at your overall mechanics by assessing your individual biomechanics and the forces at which your feet are subject to. From there your podiatrist can recommend appropriate footwear and prefabricated or custom orthotics depending on your individual treatment plan.

Along with these interventions our podiatrists also have access to the latest shockwave technology to help further treat your symptoms, depending on your individual circumstances.

If left untreated Plantar fasciitis can progress in a couple of ways;

In serious instances plantar fasciitis can result in complete rupture of the soft tissue structures often resulting in the need for surgery. If mild plantar fasciitis is left untreated for a long time it can become a chronic condition that changes the soft tissue structures into what is described as “heel spurs”. This progression can become increasingly difficult to treat the more chronic it becomes.

If you are suffering from the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, book an appointment to see one of our heel pain experts today.

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Morton’s Neuroma

Daniel Perri — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 06:46:04 +0000

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a forefoot condition affecting the ball of the foot. It can result in numbness, tingling or burning around the toes and webbing of the feet. Some patients even report what feels like a pebble or a stone in their footwear.

What causes Morton’s neuroma?

A Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the sheath that sits around the nerves that fan out to each individual toe. This thickening is a direct result of the excessive force being applied to it, typically from a pinching between the bones in your feet which causes it to become inflamed. As this nerve becomes inflamed it becomes bigger in size, making it more likely to be “pinched”. This usually can be seen in the progression of symptoms beginning to occur from once a month to increase to once a week to once a day or even more as the nerve continues to increase in size from the inflammation. The use of narrow or poorly supporting footwear, “flat feet” or excessive “rolling in” (pronation) of the foot when walking can be the cause for this condition.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of Morton’s neuroma can range from sharp electric shock type of pain to a dull ache and can be consistent or transient in nature – meaning it can come and go. The pain can also be noticed both on top of the forefoot region along with the bottom in the ball of the foot region. Typically most people with Morton’s neuroma will experience the pain in a certain pair of shoes they own and report that going without shoes can often help reduce pain. However, going barefoot is certainly not recommended for this condition.

What is the treatment?

Some treatment options include the use of metatarsal domes to help open up the space that the neuroma occupies, limiting the aggravation of the neuroma by the surrounding structures and bones. Another option includes footwear changes to shoes with a wider toe-box. Orthotic therapy is another option as it will help prevent the “rolling in” that contributes to the third common digital nerve being aggravated by the metatarsals and deep transverse metatarsal ligament.

If left untreated surgery may be required if the neuroma becomes too large and painful to treat conservatively with the management options above. If you are experiencing any forefoot pain it is best to get this checked out by one of our expert podiatrists today.

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Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy / Dysfunction

Daniel Perri — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 06:27:55 +0000

What is Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy / Dysfunction?

Posterior tibialis dysfunction is a condition that affects the main supporting tendon of the arch of the foot. This condition causes a progressive and degenerative change to the structure of the tendon. This condition is commonly seen in people with pes planus or flat feet and is most common amongst middle aged women. Pain is often localised to the inside of the foot behind the medial ankle bone, but can also track up towards the inside of the tibia (shin bone) and can be mistaken for “shin splints”. Posterior tibialis dysfunction is also seen coinciding with other foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis – and is often able to be treated at the same time.

What are the symptoms?

A symptom of tibialis posterior dysfunction includes pain or swellling at the medial (inner side) of the ankle that progressively worsens. The most notable symptom of this condition is a change to the shape of the foot. People who experience this condition often note that their feet have become “flatter” over time.

What causes it?

Pes planus or flat feet is the most common cause of Tibialis Posterior dysfunction due to the increased strain on the small muscle and its tendon. Another common risk factor is obesity which increases the force on the affected tendon. Along with typical tendinopathies, factors such as age, medications and pre-existing health conditions can also increase the risk of developing this condition. Some sports that require unsupportive footwear due to the individual demands of the sport can also increase the risk such as dancing, field based sports, boxing and martial arts and many more.

What is the treatment of Tibialis Posterior dysfunction?

The treatment of tibialis posterior dysfunction requires exercises to rehabilitate the tendon. Targeted exercises will limit the progression of the condition and with some persistence, eliminate it all together. Tendons are what we call ‘avascular structures’; this means that tendons do not have much blood flow. Due to this limitation in blood flow to the tendon, they can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks to heal. Good supportive footwear can help with the symptoms however this condition often requires orthotic therapy due to its complex nature. Orthotic therapy is an important component to both aiding recovery and preventing the progression of this condition. Orthotic therapy aims to provide the arch with support, reducing the amount of work the tendon needs to do to support the arch – allowing it to heal. Custom orthotics work best in this case due to the ability of your podiatrist to tailor the correction and support tot your individual mechanics and foot shape.

Without treatment of this condition, there can be a total rupture of the tendon and complete collapse of the arch. This often results in surgery and an extensive rehabilitation process. Along with this is an increased likelihood of the development of osteoarthritis to the joints of the ankle and foot. Book an appointment and talk to one of our expert podiatrists today.

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Sever’s Disease / Calcaneal Apophysitis

Daniel Perri — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 03:35:41 +0000

What is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease is the more commonly known name for calcaneal apophysitis and is a common cause of heel pain in younger more active children. Children between the ages of 8-14 experience rapid growth of the heel bone (calcaneus) and this area can become irritated and painful. Typically, it affects boys more than girls and can coincide with other common foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis.

What are the symptoms?

Typically, the pain occurs during or immediately after activity and is localized to the back of the heel but also can radiate to the whole heel and some of the arch. Children may not necessarily tell you that they are in pain especially if its during or after an activity or sport they really love doing. One thing to look out for is limping whilst the activity is occurring or immediately after, along with obvious signs of complaints of pain or discomfort.

What causes it?

Calcaneal apophysitis is the inflammation of the growth plate in the heel and typically coincides with a recent growth spurt or increase in shoe size. A growth spurt causes the bones in the legs to increase in length leaving the muscles that attach onto these bones tight and taught. Combining these tight muscles with high amounts of activity or a recent increase in activity causes the inflammation of the heel bone at its growth plate.

How common is it?

Calcaneal apophysitis is extremely common and typically occurs in children between the ages of 8-14 but is seen clinically as young as 6 and as old as 16, it is somewhat dependent on the child’s development. Children with a higher BMI (Body Mass Index) or overweight children are also at an increased risk of developing this condition due to increased forces on the structures and tendons involved.

What is the treatment/recovery time?

The first line of treatment is rest and icing, which may prove difficult with a child that enjoys participating in a particular sport or activity. However in order for the inflammation and pain to be reduced rest and icing is required, especially in the initial phase of the condition’s development.

The second line of treatment is prefabricated orthotics and heel raises which is usually very effective and often recommended for very active children who may not want to stop the activities that are contributing to the pain. Orthotics and reduction of the child’s BMI (losing weight) will help with longer term prevention of the Sever’s disease

If left untreated Sever’s disease can progress to necrosis of the growth plate or fractures of the heel bone (calcaneus) which can potentially need further more drastic intervention. It is always best to see a podiatrist to assess the severity and determine the best treatment.

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