Sever’s Disease Is Common Among Active Adolescents

If your child is experiencing heel pain, it could be a sign of Sever’s Disease. This condition often occurs when a child is starting a new sport or activity. Children are at most risk of Sever’s Disease during puberty or a growth spurt. Telltale signs include limping or tiptoeing to avoid putting pressure on the heel, increased pain when running or jumping, and redness or swelling in the heel. If your child has these symptoms, please see a podiatrist a soon as possible for proper treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Devin Bland, DPM from Prestige Medical Care. 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 Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.