Understanding Kids Heel Pain: Sever's Disease

Understanding Sever's Disease: A Guide for Parents and Young Athletes

Sever's Disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects children and adolescents, especially those engaged in sports. As a podiatrist, it's crucial to shed light on this condition, providing parents and young athletes with valuable information to better understand and manage Sever's Disease.

What is Sever's Disease?

Sever's Disease is not actually a disease but rather a growth plate disorder that occurs in the heel bone (calcaneus). It typically affects children and adolescents during periods of rapid growth, typically between the ages of 8 and 15, when the heel bone is still developing. The condition is most prevalent in young athletes involved in activities that put repetitive stress on the heel, such as running and jumping sports.

Causes:

1. Growth Plate Vulnerability: The growth plate in the heel is more susceptible to injury during periods of rapid bone growth.

2. Overuse and Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve repetitive impact on the heel, such as running or jumping, can contribute to irritation and inflammation in the growth plate.

3. Tight Achilles Tendon: A tight Achilles tendon can increase tension on the growth plate, exacerbating the condition.

Symptoms:

1. Heel Pain: The most common symptom is pain in the back or bottom of the heel, particularly during or after physical activity.

2. Limping or Walking on Toes: Children may alter their gait to avoid putting pressure on the affected heel.

3. Swelling and Redness: Inflammation in the heel area may lead to noticeable swelling and redness.

Treatment and Management:

1. Rest and Activity Modification: Temporary cessation or modification of activities that contribute to heel stress is essential to allow the growth plate to heal.

2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

3. Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon and calf muscles can alleviate tension on the growth plate.

4. Orthotic Support: Custom orthotic inserts can provide additional support and help address any biomechanical issues contributing to the condition.

5. Footwear: Choosing appropriate footwear with good cushioning and support is crucial in managing Sever's Disease.

Prevention:

1. Proper Warm-up and Stretching: Encourage young athletes to incorporate proper warm-up and stretching routines before engaging in sports activities.

2. Monitoring Growth Spurts: Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can help monitor a child's growth and address any potential issues early on.

3. Appropriate Footwear: Ensure that children wear properly fitted shoes suitable for their specific sport or activity.

Sever's Disease may be a common ailment in young athletes, but with proper understanding and proactive management, its impact can be minimized. As a podiatrist, educating parents, coaches, and young athletes about the condition is crucial for early detection and effective treatment, ultimately allowing children to continue enjoying their favorite sports with minimal disruption.