The growth plate in the heel can grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons in children and young teenagers. This can indicate a condition called Sever’s disease, which may cause severe heel pain. It occurs in people in this age bracket who frequently participate in sporting activities, and additional symptoms can include walking on tiptoes or limping. Relief may be found when the activity that caused the condition is temporarily stopped, and the affected foot is elevated. Some patients find that performing specific stretches can be helpful in reducing pain and discomfort. These can include placing a rolled towel under the ball of the foot while sitting down, and pulling the towel forward until a gentle stretch is felt. If your child is active and has heel pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors 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 Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.