Understanding Sever’s Disease in Your Child
Sever’s disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in adolescent children, especially those involved in sports like football, basketball, or gymnastics. Sever’s disease occurs when the heel bone grows faster than the muscles and tendons around it. This leads to increased tension and inflammation at the growth plate where the Achilles tendon attaches. This condition tends to affect children during growth spurts and is more common in boys. Symptoms include heel pain, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Some children may walk on their toes to avoid putting pressure on the heel. Diagnosis is typically based on a physical exam, often by gently squeezing the sides of the heel to check for pain. A chiropodist can assess your child’s foot structure, recommend footwear, provide orthotic inserts, and guide a safe return to activity. If your child complains of heel pain after sports activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.
Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Sever’s disease include:
Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed
Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel
Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities
Fatigue
Diagnosis
Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture.
Treatment
Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
