Why Does My Child's Heel Hurt After Sports?

Why it happens

Children have a growth area at the back of the heel bone. During growth spurts, the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can get tight and pull hard on it. Running and jumping, especially on hard ground or in cleats, adds more stress.

Typical signs are heel pain during or after activity, limping after games, or walking on tiptoes to avoid pressing the heel. Squeezing the sides of the heel often hurts. It can affect one or both heels.

What usually helps

• Lower the load for a while. Fewer sprints and jumps, more rest days, or a break from one sport. Full rest isn't always needed.
• Stretch and strengthen the calves and feet.
• Check footwear. Supportive, cushioned shoes help, and less time in cleats outside of games and practice.
• Ice after activity to ease soreness.

Sever's disease doesn't cause lasting damage. It goes away once the heel finishes growing, but it can flare up during busy seasons. See our youth sports injuries guide for more.

When to see a doctor

See your child's pediatrician promptly if:

• Your child can't put weight on the foot, or the pain started after a fall or injury
• Swelling, redness or warmth in the heel
• Heel pain with fever, or a child who seems unwell
• Pain at night or at rest, not just with activity
• Pain that isn't easing after a few weeks of cutting back

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist can check calf flexibility, foot and leg strength, and how your child runs and lands. They set clear limits so your child can keep playing while the heel settles, and plan a gradual return to full practice. Parents are involved, families get a home program, and we coordinate with your child's pediatrician.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Youth sports injuries →

Related questions

• When Should My Baby Roll Over?
• When Should a Baby Sit Up on Their Own?
• When Should a Baby Start Crawling?
• Is It OK If My Baby Skips Crawling?
• All patient questions

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026