Adolescent Heel Pain - Sever's Disease

Sever's Disease is also referred to as calcaneal apophysitis. It occurs in mainly pubescent children, and is characterized by pain to the heel of the foot. It is a condition that is more common in boys than girls, occurring between the ages of 11-15.

At adolescence the bones are growing at a faster rate than the tendons, if the muscles and tendons become tight, the heel area will be less flexible than it should be, and any injury to the heel, may cause onset of the disease.

SEVERS

Symptoms

- Heel pain that goes away when you are resting.
- Swollen heel/heels.
- Pain that increases when you are exercising.
- Stiff calf muscles first thing in the morning.

Prevention

Maintaining good flexibility whilst the child is growing may help to prevent heel injury and the development of Sever's Disease.

Treatment

Treatment for Sever's Disease depends on its severity, but treatments include:

- Rest - It is best to avoid all physical activities until the condition has eased. Especially avoiding high impact sports such as running and tennis.
- Ice packs - To be placed to the back of the heel in order to reduce inflammation.
- Physiotherapy or Podiatry treatment - Recommended stretching exercises, and massage to the affected muscles may be of some help.
- Shoe inserts - To protect the heel. These should be worn at all times.
- Casting or Splinting - In severe cases immobilizing the affected lower limb/limbs may be necessary.
- Pain-killers - use of anti-inflammatory drugs can help to reduce the pain.
- Podiatric Acupuncture- to encourage the body to heal itself and for pain prevention.
- Adequate sports trainers with good cushioning ability for better shock absorbing qualities.

If adequate care is given, the symptoms of Sever's Disease usually subside in about 2 or 3 months, and the child should then be able to resume normal physical activity. Medical advice should be followed at all times to help prevent severs from worsening.

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Adolescent Heel Pain - Sever's Disease

SEVERS