Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in kids, especially active kids playing sports with repetitive stress and requiring multi-directional movement. During early adolescence excessive force on the growth plate causes irritation on the heel bone where the achilles tendon attaches.
The peak age is between 8 – 15, when kids are most likely to have a growth spurt, causing more tightness in the calf muscles.
Your Footpoint Podiatrist is able to diagnose this condition during your childs consultation / assessment. By squeeze testing the heel, pain is reproduced in the area outlined below. There are certain movements that also confirm the diagnosis. Gait (how you walk) assessment is an important part of consultation to see if your childs foot posture and biomechanics are in normal ranges.
As well as following the general principles of RICE (rest, ice, compress & elevate), your Footpoint Podiatrist will discuss with you the potential need for orthotics, padding, strapping, exercise prescription and correct footwear. All these methods are an important part of any treatment plan for Sever’s. Getting the treatment plan right for your child, ensures their return back to the sports and activities they love.
Contact Footpoint Podiatry if you believe your child may be suffering with Sever’s.
Our Podiatrists are experts at diagnosing and treating Sever’s, with a treatment plan tailored to your child, the sports and activities they love.
