Question
A child has been experiencing heel pain for a year, with no apparent redness or severe activity. Since two years ago, they have occasionally complained after a long-distance walk, but now mention it frequently. They have never received treatment and plan to have an X-ray taken in the afternoon.
Answer
Pediatric heel pain may be related to heel spurs or bone overgrowth, which is medically categorized as “bone stiffness.” The cause may involve kidney weakness due to aging, trauma, or invasion by dampness and cold. Traditional Chinese medicine therapy often uses herbal remedies to expel wind and dampness, warm the meridians and dispel coldness, soften hard lumps and reduce swelling, and activate blood circulation to relieve pain. These methods do not damage the skin and have no significant side effects. A common therapy includes using herbs like through-bone grass and Chinese fairy lily, adding vinegar, boiling them, filtering the liquid, and then soaking the heels in it. Rubbing the affected area is also part of the process. This is done three times a day, with a course lasting 30 days. Mild cases may see pain relief or disappearance after one course, while severe cases may require 2-3 courses. Another simple therapy involves soaking the affected foot in warm vinegar, done once or twice a day. Alternating this treatment for half a month can help observe pain relief. After 1-2 months of continuous treatment, symptoms are expected to completely recover.