Is your child limping, walking on their toes, or complaining of heel pain? If so, they may have Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is an injury to the growth plate of the heel bone caused by repetitive overuse. It is commonly seen in children between the ages of 7 and 14, especially those who participate in sports that involve a lot of running or jumping. The heel pain associated with Sever’s disease tends to develop slowly over time and occurs during physical activity. The pain usually subsides at rest, and can affect one or both heels. With prompt treatment, children with Sever’s disease usually make a full recovery. If your child is experiencing heel pain, schedule a visit with a podiatrist near you.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
