3yr old with heel pain. Can't/won't walk

[Isitnow]

My 3 year old woke up this morning complaining of heel pain in one foot. Refuses to put any weight on it. Says it hurts when I press on it.
There are no marks on his foot, he was fine before he went to bed and no falls or injuries that I'm aware of yesterday. Any thoughts on what it could be and do I need to take him to the walk in for an x-ray? I'd rather avoid that if not necessary at the moment. Thanks.

I'd keep your eye on it. I really wouldn't be worried about going to the hospital because they have very strict procedures in place. I've been 4 separate occasions with my 17 month old and honestly I was worried but realised there is no need to be. They have separate rooms for covid cases, none covid cases, small children etc. Dont be worried. X

17 week old even. Hes prone to infections and they have been fantastic

Not a medical professional but if thos were my child they would get a dose of paracetamol or maybe ibuprofen. Sit them in front of the TV with foot raised and a cold cloth. In an hour I'd call them from the kitchen offering an ice cream - if they come running then no panic let it heal on its own. If they can't come, ornitnuurts too much to watch TV, ornif they are crying I would consider calling the surgery.

Thanks, you're right. I actually had to go to A&E for myself a couple of weeks back and it was fine. But I'd always prefer to avoid hours in a waiting room with a three year old if I can! 4 times in hospital in your first 17 weeks sounds tough. Hope s/he is doing ok now.

I did try the call from the kitchen with a treat trick! And got tears, so I think it's genuine. I called 111, they said contact primary care within 24 hrs so if it's still there tomorrow am, off we go for the hours-long wait

Oh bless him. Sounds to me like it's really sore if a treat didnt work.

Luckily now we have open access to the paediatric ward so we avoid a&e x

We had the same with my six year old and on day two we did some foot and leg stretches which seemed to sort it out. It’s worth googling a bit as there’s no harm in gently trying.

If there is no obvious injury it might be inflammation in the growth plate and could be relived by massage and stretches if his calfs are tight.

My DD will get sore heels during growth spurts as the soft tissues and bones grow at different rates and that pulls on the growth plate, the medical term for it is severs.

Massage, stretches, ice and see GP who can refer for a physio assessment if it continues

I know this sounds strange but is the pain on the back of the heel at the top of the boney bit if you see what I mean? Does he walk on tiptoes on that foot when trying to walk? My dad has severs disease which is meant to aftect pre teens and teens but affected my dad much younger than that

Sorry I meant DD not dad! Auto correct

I hope he's feeling a bit better. Sounds horrid. X