Pediatric Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that causes the plantar fascia (tendon on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the front of the foot) to ache.

What is Pediatric Plantar Fasciitis?

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

What are the causes of Pediatric Plantar Fasciitis?

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