What is Severs disease and how can you help your child?

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common condition in children and adolescents who are physically active, particularly those involved in sports that require running, kicking or jumping. It’s characterized by pain in the heel area, specifically at the point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus). Despite its name, Sever’s disease isn’t actually a disease but rather an overuse injury of the growth plate in the heel and doesn’t involve severing anything, it’s named after Mr.Sever!

The growth plate is a region of developing tissue near the ends of the long bones in children and adolescents. During periods of rapid growth, the bones can grow faster than the muscles and tendons, causing tension where they attach to the bone. In the case of Sever’s disease, repetitive stress and impact on the heel can lead to inflammation and pain.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease typically include:

• Pain or tenderness in the heel, especially when walking, running, or jumping.
• Swelling and redness in the heel area.
• Difficulty walking or participating in activities that put pressure on the heels.

Treatment

Treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms and allowing the growth plate to heal:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Limiting activities that exacerbate the pain, such as running and jumping, can help reduce symptoms.
• Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the heel several times a day can reduce inflammation and pain.
• Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises for the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, as well as strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle muscles, can help improve flexibility and support the heel.
• Supportive Footwear: Wearing supportive shoes with cushioned heel pads and arch supports can help alleviate pressure on the heel.
• Orthotics: In some cases, orthotic inserts or heel cups may be recommended to provide additional support and cushioning.

It’s important for parents, coaches, and healthcare providers to recognize the symptoms of Sever’s disease early and take appropriate steps to manage it. With proper rest and treatment, most children recover fully and can return to their normal activities without long-term complications. However, if left untreated, Sever’s disease can persist and potentially lead to more serious issues. Therefore, prompt attention and care are crucial for managing this common condition in young athletes.

Where Pure Physio comes in:

There are a number of other problems which appear like Sever’s disease (plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon strain, heel fat pad irritation).  I have lost count of the amount of misdiagnoses I have seen, and children, I have helped, who got told they had Sever’s when a much more manageable problem existed.

Book online with Pure Physio here Or learn more about Sever’s disease here