Sever's Disease
Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in childhood and early adolescence. The condition often occurs in children aged 8 to 13 years old who are highly active, particularly in sports involving running and jumping. It is believed that repeated running and jumping leads to irritation and inflammation at the growth plate where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. The child may limp and complain of pain during or after activity.
Sever’s is considered to be a developmental condition that resolves when the growth plate fuses completely. However, there are a number of options that can help you and your child to manage the symptoms and assist in providing some pain relief. Continuing sport or physical activity may not always be harmful but may make the pain worse, so it may be better to temporarily stop or modify activities that cause pain. Sport shoes should be comfortable and fit well, and symptoms can be treated with ice packs and pain relief if needed. Inserting gel heel pads or heel rises into shoes together with daily calf- stretching exercises (especially before and after sports) may also help.
In some instances, Sever’s can be complicated by other problems such as flat feet, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis or congenitally tight muscles. In such cases, orthotics and manual therapies may be beneficial in relieving pain. If you think you or your children are suffering from these symptoms or any other forms of heel pain such as these, make an appointment to see one of our friendly podiatrists today.
Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in childhood and early adolescence. The condition often occurs in children aged 8 to 13 years old who are highly active, particularly in sports involving running and jumping. It is believed that repeated running and jumping leads to irritation and inflammation at the growth plate where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. The child may limp and complain of pain during or after activity.
Sever’s is considered to be a developmental condition that resolves when the growth plate fuses completely. However, there are a number of options that can help you and your child to manage the symptoms and assist in providing some pain relief. Continuing sport or physical activity may not always be harmful but may make the pain worse, so it may be better to temporarily stop or modify activities that cause pain. Sport shoes should be comfortable and fit well, and symptoms can be treated with ice packs and pain relief if needed. Inserting gel heel pads or heel rises into shoes together with daily calf- stretching exercises (especially before and after sports) may also help.
In some instances, Sever’s can be complicated by other problems such as flat feet, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis or congenitally tight muscles. In such cases, orthotics and manual therapies may be beneficial in relieving pain. If you think you or your children are suffering from these symptoms or any other forms of heel pain such as these, make an appointment to see one of our friendly podiatrists today.
