What causes heel pain in middle school students?
Oct 21, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Heel pain in middle school students is mainly caused by growth and development, excessive activity, Achilles tendinitis, calcaneal apophysitis, and plantar fasciitis. Middle school students are in a rapid growth phase, during which bones, muscles, and ligaments develop quickly. This uneven growth rate can lead to heel pain. Performing appropriate stretching exercises, such as Achilles tendon stretches, can help relieve muscle tension.
In general, heel pain in middle school students is mainly caused by growth and development, excessive activity, Achilles tendinitis, Sever's disease (calcaneal apophysitis), plantar fasciitis, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Growth and Development
Middle school students are in a rapid growth phase, during which bones, muscles, and ligaments develop quickly. This uneven growth rate may lead to heel pain. Performing appropriate stretching exercises, such as Achilles tendon stretches, can help relieve muscle tension.
2. Excessive Activity
Middle school students often engage in high levels of physical activity. Prolonged running, jumping, or other high-intensity exercises can easily overload the heel and cause pain. It is recommended to wear insoles with arch support to provide additional cushioning and support.
3. Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is usually caused by repetitive stress or sudden overloading, which may result in inflammation and micro-tears in the tendon tissue. In adolescents, the Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone; overuse or injury can cause tendon inflammation and pain, possibly accompanied by stiffness and severe discomfort. Medications such as ibuprofen tablets, swelling-relief and analgesic patches, or Yunnan Baiyao aerosol may be used under medical guidance.
4. Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever's Disease)
During growth and development, the calcaneal epiphysis in middle school students has not fully closed. Excessive physical activity may trigger calcaneal apophysitis, leading to heel pain, tenderness, and swelling. Treatment may include medications such as mecobalamin capsules, oryzanol tablets, and vitamin B6 tablets, as directed by a physician.
5. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is primarily caused by overuse. Prolonged standing or walking may excessively strain the plantar fascia, causing inflammation and heel pain, sometimes accompanied by sharp pain. Under the guidance of a healthcare professional, medications such as tetrandrine tablets, meloxicam tablets, or celecoxib capsules may be used for treatment.
In daily life, it is important to arrange rest time reasonably and avoid overusing the feet.
