Football PhysiotherapyHeel pain: a parents guide
If your child plays football and is complaining of heel pain, it may be severs— a common growth-related condition in active children aged 8–14.
It happens when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated from repeated running and jumping. Footballers are especially at risk due to training frequency, hard pitches, and growth spurts.
Common Signs
• Pain at the back or bottom of the heel
• Limping after training or matches
• Pain that improves with rest
• Discomfort during growth spurts
The good news? It’s temporary and treatable — but early management is key.
What To Do Next
Ignoring heel pain can lead to longer recovery times. The right treatment plan may include:
• Activity modification
• Strength and flexibility work
• Load management
• Footwear advice
• Return-to-sport planning
A physiotherapist can assess your child properly, reduce pain, and guide a safe return to football.
If your child has ongoing heel pain, book a physiotherapy appointment early — the sooner it’s managed, the quicker they can get back on the pitch confidently.
About the Author: Jordan Templeton, MSc Physiotherapy
Jordan Templeton is a highly experienced football physiotherapist with over 7 years of professional experience in elite professional football. As a qualified MSc Physiotherapist, Jordan specialises in football-specific injury assessment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play protocols.
Jordan's professional background includes 4 years coaching at Kilmarnock FC Academy, followed by physiotherapy roles at Kilmarnock FC and Hearts of Midlothian FC (supporting academy, B team, and first team). He currently works full-time as a physiotherapist for Kilmarnock FC, bringing hands-on elite-level experience to every patient.
He holds an MSc in Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) from Glasgow Caledonian University and graduated with First Class Honours in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of the West of Scotland. Jordan brings expert care, evidence-led rehabilitation, and personalised treatment plans built on practical assessment and real-world football knowledge to his Kilmarnock and Ayrshire physiotherapy clinic.