Sever's Disease

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is caused by the inflammation of the tendon which joins to the heel bone. The inflammation results from the repeated physical exertion of the heel bone and the connecting tendon, and most commonly occurs in children between the ages of 7 and 15. The disease is common in children and adolescents because their heel bones are still in the process of growing; continuous exertion due to physical activity causes micro fractures between the growth plate and the rest of the bone, causing the growth plate to become displaced.

The symptoms of Sever's disease include:

SEVERS DISEASE

Tenderness in the heel, which is often made worse by vigorous activities like jumping and exercising. Muscle stiffness around the heel first thing in the morning. Discomfort while walking, which can result in limping or tiptoeing. Swelling of the inflamed heel.

Although Sever's disease is self-recovering, it is important to take steps to mitigate the effects of the disease in order to prevent it from developing into a tumor or osteomyelitis, both of which are more difficult to treat.

Treatment for Sever's disease includes:

Cutting back on physical activity. Since Sever's disease is brought about by excessive physical activity, it is important to give the affected heel adequate time to rest and recover. Stretching and elevation. Stretching the surrounding muscles relieves tension, and elevation can reduce the amount of pressure on the heel. Ice packs. After engaging in physical activity, ice packs can be used to soothe the affected heel. Shoe inserts. Shoe orthotics serve as shock absorbers and can be worn to reduce the impact of motion on the injured heel. Immobilizing the lower leg. It may be necessary to splint or cast the lower leg in severe cases; however, this is uncommon. Medication. Pain medication can be prescribed to the patient to help alleviate pain caused by the inflammation.

It can take up to two weeks for the inflammation to subside in minor cases, while it can take up to two months for healing to occur in more severe cases. The disease can recur from time to time due to continued physical activity; however, children eventually outgrow the disease after the age of 15.

To avoid developing Sever's disease during the susceptible ages, the following precautions are recommended:

Reduce the shifting of the growth plate by wearing well-fitted shoes with shock-absorbing soles. Do not walk without shoes. Avoid excessive or prolonged physical activity on hard surfaces. Reduce tension in the calf muscle by stretching adequately before exercise.

In order to diagnose heel pain, it is advisable to see a foot and ankle specialist, as heel pain can also occur as a result of other medical issues. Sever's disease can be very painful; however, there are no long-term complications associated with the condition which can be treated or outgrown in a matter of time.

Sever's Disease

SEVERS DISEASE