Sever’s Disease in Children
Sever’s Disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, particularly those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel (the calcaneus) becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress, typically in children aged 8 to 14 years.
Sever’s Disease is not an actual disease but rather a condition associated with the growing pains that many children experience during their development.
The good news is we see lots of cases like this here at The Back and Body Clinic and get our patients back to their best and playing their sports in no time.
The primary symptoms of Sever’s Disease include:
- Pain in the heel: This pain is often located at the back or underside of the heel.
- Tenderness: The heel may be sensitive to touch, especially after activity or exercise.
- Swelling: Mild swelling around the heel may occur in some cases.
- Pain with physical activity: Children may experience increased pain during or after running, jumping, or other high-impact activities.
- Stiffness: The heel may feel stiff, especially after long periods of rest or in the mornings.
Causes of Sever’s Disease
Sever’s Disease occurs due to a combination of factors, including:
- Rapid growth: During growth spurts, the bones in the foot grow faster than the tendons and muscles, leading to increased pressure on the growth plate.
- Overuse or repetitive stress: Children who engage in sports that involve running, jumping such as football and gymnastics, are more likely to develop Sever’s Disease.
- Tight muscles: Tightness in the calf muscles or Achilles tendon can put extra strain on the heel.
- Foot mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can contribute to the development of this condition.
Our experienced team can treat Sever’s through a combination of manual therapy techniques and a tailored rehabilitation program suited to your child’s specific symptoms and activity level.
At The Back and Body Clinic we understand how crucial it is for children to stay active and pain-free. The overall goal is to promote long-term healing to set our children up as best as we can for later on in life.
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