Severs Disease
At Crown Foot & Ankle, we are passionate about providing top-quality podiatric care for families in Crown Point, Indiana, and surrounding areas. We know how distressing it can be when your child experiences heel pain, especially if it’s caused by a condition like Sever’s disease. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Natasha Mandula, is here to guide you and your child through effective treatment options to ensure they get back to enjoying the activities they love.
Understanding Sever’s Disease: The Common Cause of Heel Pain in Children
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is one of the most frequent causes of heel pain in children and adolescents. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel bone (calcaneus) becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress—especially from high-impact sports like soccer, basketball, or running. This condition usually affects children aged 8 to 14, particularly those involved in active play or sports.
Key Symptoms of Sever’s Disease in Children
If your child is experiencing heel pain, Sever’s disease may be the culprit. Watch for these common signs:
- Persistent pain or tenderness in the heel after physical activity
- Swelling around the heel area
- Difficulty walking, running, or jumping due to pain
- Limping or avoiding activities to prevent discomfort
The pain typically worsens after sports or physical activity and improves with rest. However, without proper care, it can interfere with daily activities and athletic participation.
What Causes Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease is primarily caused by repetitive stress on the growing heel. High-impact activities like running, jumping, and rapid directional changes put extra strain on the heel. Additional risk factors include:
- Tight Achilles tendon: A tight Achilles tendon can increase pressure on the heel, leading to pain.
- Overuse: Excessive physical activity without proper rest and recovery can result in irritation of the growth plate.
- Improper footwear: Shoes that lack arch support or cushioning can contribute to increased pressure on the heel.
Treatment Options for Sever’s Disease
At Crown Foot and Ankle, we offer a range of effective treatments to help manage and alleviate your child’s heel pain:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Rest is essential for recovery. We recommend reducing high-impact activities and incorporating alternative, low-impact exercises.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Stretching the Achilles tendon and strengthening muscles around the ankle can help relieve tension on the heel and reduce future flare-ups.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the heel after activity can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Orthotics and Footwear Adjustments: Custom orthotics or shoe inserts can provide additional support and cushioning to relieve pressure on the heel.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended to help manage pain and reduce swelling.
- Physical Therapy: For more persistent cases, physical therapy may be suggested to help improve flexibility, strength, and function.
Preventing Sever’s Disease: Helpful Tips for Active Kids
While Sever’s disease may not always be preventable, following these tips can reduce the likelihood of it occurring:
- Wear Proper Footwear: Ensure your child wears shoes that offer proper arch support, cushioning, and fit.
- Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Encourage your child to properly warm up and cool down before and after exercise to prevent injuries.
- Avoid Overuse: Make sure your child has adequate rest between physical activities to prevent excessive strain on the feet.
- Daily Stretching: Encourage your child to stretch their Achilles tendon and calf muscles regularly to improve flexibility and reduce heel pressure.
How We Help at Crown Foot & Ankle
At Crown Foot & Ankle, we believe in offering personalized care tailored to each child’s needs. Dr. Natasha Mandula and our dedicated team are committed to providing the highest level of care to help your child recover from Sever’s disease and get back to their active lifestyle.
We’re proud to be part of the Crown Point community and are here to help your family with all your foot and ankle care needs.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Don’t let heel pain stop your child from enjoying their favorite activities. Call Crown Foot & Ankle today at (219) 257-0255 or book an appointment online. Our team is here to help your child return to their feet, pain-free and ready to run!