Adam Rufa - 9/13/2006

Question
Hi,
My 11 yr. old son just sprained his left ankle and hurt his heel.  The xray's show that he has sclerosis on his heel.  The doctor said not to worry unless he has cronic heel pain.  My son doesn't complain of cronic heel pain but does complain that his "fee" hurt after he runs or plays gym.  He already fractured his ankles twice and broken his big toe at the joint.  Do you think he needs a orthopedic specialist and/or could you give me an explanation of what "sclerosis" is as it relates to my son?  Thanks so much.  

Answer
Sclerosis is a term that simple means thickening or hardening.  It can be used to describe calcium or fibrous deposits.  Sclerosis at the heel is a somewhat non-specific description.  This sclerosis could be at the Achilles tendon, plantar fascia or some other structure. My initial concern is why has your son had so many injuries to his ankles and foot?  Is he just a rough kid that gets hurt from sports or hard play or is something else going on?

Having some sclerosis on x-ray is not necessarily a reason to seek a specialist however, if there is no good reason for the numerous foot injuries then he should see someone.  And like your MD said, if he has continued pain after his ankle sprain heals you may want to look into it more.


Adam Rufa
www.In-Homephysicaltherapy.com