Sever's Disease Sydney
(Heel Pain in Children)What is Sever’s disease?
Sever’s disease occurs in children when the growth plate (which is the growing part of the heel) is injured. The foot is one of the first body parts to grow to full size. This usually occurs in early puberty. During this time, bones often grow faster than muscles and tendons. As a result, muscles and tendons become tight. The heel area is less flexible. During weight-bearing activity (activity performed while standing), the tight heel tendons may put too much pressure at the back of the heel where they attach. This can injure the heel and cause Sever’s disease.
Causes
Your child is most at risk for this condition when he or she is in the early part of the growth spurt in early puberty. Sever’s disease is most common in physically active girls 8 years to 10 years of age and in physically active boys 10 years to 12 years of age. Soccer players and gymnasts often get Sever’s disease, but children who do any running or jumping activity may also be at an increased risk. Sever’s disease rarely occurs in older teenagers because the back of the heel has typically finished growing by 15 years of age.
Diagnosis
In Sever’s disease, heel pain can be in one or both heels. It usually starts after a child begins a new sports season or a new sport. Your child may walk with a limp. The pain may increase when they run or jump. They may have a tendency to tiptoe. Your child’s heel may hurt if you squeeze both sides toward the very back. This is called the squeeze test. Your podiatrist may also find that your child’s heel tendons have become tight.
Prevention
Sever’s disease may be prevented by maintaining good flexibility while your child is growing. Stretching exercises of the hamstrings, calf muscles and the Achilles tendon help the tightening of these. Talk with your podiatrist at the footinjuryclinic for more advice. Good quality shoes with firm support and a shock-absorbent sole will help. Your child should avoid excessive running on hard surfaces.
If your child has already recovered from Sever’s disease, stretching and putting ice on the heel after activity will help keep your child from developing this condition again.
Treatment
First, your child should cut down or stop any activity that causes heel pain. Apply ice to the injured heel for 20 minutes 3 times a day. If your child has a high arch, flat feet or bowed legs, your podiatrist may recommend orthotics, arch supports or heel cups. Your child should never go barefoot.
Stretching exercises can help. It is important that your child performs exercises to stretch the hamstring and calf muscles, and the tendons on the back of the leg. The child should do these stretches 2 or 3 times a day. Each stretch should be held for about 20 seconds. Both legs should be stretched, even if the pain is only in 1 heel.
With proper care, your child should feel better within 2 weeks to 2 months. Your child can start playing sports again only when the heel pain is gone. Your podiatrist will let you know when physical activity is safe.
Complications
No long-term problems have been linked with Sever’s disease. However, call your podiatrist if your child’s heel pain does not get better with treatment, gets worse or if you notice changes in skin colour or swelling.
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