What is Severs Disease?
Severs disease is rear foot pain and/or ankle pain as a result of inflammation of the growth plate of the heel bone in children. The heel pain is often localised around the back of the heel. This condition most commonly affects children between the ages of 8 to 14 years. This type of condition commonly occurs in those kids who are very active with sport.
In the initial stages of the condition most children displaying signs of Severs disease will tend to hobble or limp off the football field, soccer pitch, basketball court or netball court. Kids will complain of sore heels near the end of activity.
What Causes Severs Disease?
The cause of the pain in Severs disease is thought to be the tractional forces applied to the growth plate of the heel bone the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia.
This tractional force by the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia on the growth plate is often aggravated by tight calf muscles and excessively pronated feet (i.e. feet that “roll in” too far).
Treatment of Severs Disease?
The good news is that this heel pain in children is very simple to treat and children usually respond very quickly to treatment once treatment of Severs disease commences.
When this condition affects both feet, often the diagnosis can be made clinically. If only one foot is affected then x-rays should always be taken of both feet if your child fails to respond to what is considered normal treatment for Severs disease. This is to ensure serious problems such as bone infection or bone tumors are not overlooked. Even in cases where both feet have been affected, x-rays or MRI scans may be carried out if a child is failing to respond to conservative treatment.
Treatment of Severs disease usually involves a combination of ice therapy, activity review and/or modification, review of training surfaces, exercises, footwear review and orthotic inserts where foot function is causing excessive traction on the heel growth plate.
WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist.