Achilles tendonitis is something we usually associate with adult athletes, overusing their feet and injuring their Achilles tendons. Now, that same condition is starting to affect kids.
Achilles tendonitis in children, often overlooked or misdiagnosed, is a growing concern among paediatric health professionals. This Achilles tendon inflammation, the robust band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone, can cause significant pain and limit a child’s ability to participate in physical activities. The incidence of Achilles tendonitis in kids has increased, paralleling the increase in year-round sports participation and intensive training regimens for young athletes.
The causes of paediatric Achilles tendonitis are multifaceted. Overuse is a primary culprit, often resulting from sudden training intensity or duration increases. Sports that involve repetitive jumping or running, such as basketball, track, or dance, often lead to Achilles tendonitis in young athletes. However, it’s not just these sports that can cause the condition. Rapid growth spurts, common in adolescence, can stress the Achilles tendon as bones lengthen faster than muscles and tendons can adapt.
Recognising the signs of Achilles tendonitis in children is crucial for early intervention. Symptoms typically include pain and stiffness along the back of the heel, especially in the morning or after periods of rest. Children might walk with a limp or on their toes to avoid stretching the tendon. The area may feel warm to the touch and appear swollen. Unlike adults, who often experience a gradual onset of symptoms, children may experience a more sudden onset of pain, sometimes after a specific incident of overexertion.
Podiatric Management for Achilles Tendonitis in Children
Paediatric podiatrists play a pivotal role in managing Achilles tendonitis in children as unlike general practitioners, paediatric podiatrists have specialised tools and techniques for growing feet and ankles.
One of the cornerstones of managing Achilles tendonitis in kids is a carefully prescribed exercise regimen designed to reduce the load on the affected tendon. These exercises, far from generic stretches, are meticulously tailored to each child’s condition, age and activity level. For example, one crucial exercise is eccentric calf exercises, where the muscle is lengthened under load, which has shown remarkable efficacy in promoting tendon healing and reducing pain. Exercises within this regimen are likely to be malleable and moldable, to allow for progressive training.
For instance, a paediatric podiatrist might prescribe a series of heel drop exercises, performed on a step, that gradually increase in difficulty as the child’s condition improves. These exercises help strengthen the tendon and improve its flexibility and resilience to future stress. Parents are often surprised to learn that these simple, at-home exercises can be as effective as more invasive Achilles tendonitis treatments for children when performed consistently and correctly.
Another non-invasive intervention strategy is Shockwave Therapy, which uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in the affected tendon. Creating controlled microtrauma triggers the body’s natural repair mechanisms, increasing blood flow and breaking down calcific deposits. Despite its intimidating name, the modality is generally well-tolerated by children. For young patients who haven’t responded to conservative approaches, Shockwave Therapy can be a game-changer, offering relief when other methods fall short.
Another option that persists outside of the podiatrist’s office is custom orthoses. Unlike generic insoles, these sophisticated devices are tailored to each child’s unique foot biomechanics. Skilled paediatric podiatrists use gait analysis and advanced pressure mapping to design orthoses that address the root causes of tendon stress. By redistributing pressure, correcting biomechanical issues like overpronation, and supporting the arch and heel, custom orthoses can be the difference between a child’s active participation in favourite activities and being sidelined by pain.
Tailored Approach for Paediatric Achilles Tendonitis
Managing Achilles tendonitis in children differs from adult treatments due to their growing bodies and superior healing capacity. This unique physiology influences choices and recovery timelines, requiring carefully calibrated interventions that work with natural development processes.
Patient education is crucial in managing paediatric Achilles tendonitis. If your child understands the cause of their pain, they’ll put in more effort to prevent it from worsening. Paediatric podiatrists will work with parents and children to foster a greater understanding of the condition, discussing appropriate footwear, proper warm-up routines, and activity modifications to prevent recurrence.
The long-term prognosis for children with Achilles tendonitis is generally positive, especially with early intervention. A comprehensive plan, including prescribed exercises, Shockwave Therapy, and custom orthoses, often leads to significant symptom improvement and a return to normal activities. However, parents should understand that recovery requires patience and consistent adherence to the plan. If your child is struggling with heel pain or any other discomfort in their feet, consider making a call to The Foot Practice to take the first step towards ensuring your child’s foot health and overall well-being.
