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He is a prime candidate and should be examined for calcaneal apophysitis, also know as Sever's Disease. I know it's spring because these cases are coming out of the woodwork , as they do every spring when many kids become suddenly more active on their feet.
The condition, if that's what's causing his problems, is not a terribly dangerous one, other than for the pain and disability, which even if untreated will eventually resolve, as this is an inflammation of the growth plate (apophysis) of the heel bone, and when eventually the heel grows to its adult size and the growth plate closes, the pain generally ceases.
Though x-rays should be taken to rule out other conditions which may underlie such symptoms, in the case of Sever's Disease such radiographs are frequently not very helpful, as it is difficult and perhaps impossible to distinguish a normal growth plate from one which is inflamed on such x-rays. But the diagnosis can frequently be made based solely on examination, history and circumstances. One of my favorite, though not exclusively diagnositic signs, is pain elicited by squeezing the back portion of the heel from its sides at or near the level of the insertion of the Achilles tendon.
Treatment generally involves rest, non-participation in running and jumping, in-shoe padding to raise the heel and lessen the tension from the Achilles tendon, orthotic devices, stretching of the Achilles tendon and, in severe case . . casting. But paramount in long-term resolution of the problem is not aggravating it by returning to activity too quickly and/or too suddenly.
He needs to be seen by a podiatrist for definitive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.
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