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Heel pain in kids: Does my child have Sever's Disease?
It's the weekend and as you're racing around to get the kids to all their sports fixtures, one pipes up with "..my heels hurt". You've heard this before but this time it seems different, perhaps it's parents intuition.
Sever’s Disease causes pain at the attachment of the Achilles tendon to the heel bone in adolescents. Sadly it is often mistakenly brushed off as “growing pains”. Want to know more? Read on.
What is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease (also known as calcaneal apophysitis) is a type of bony injury where the growth plate at the back of the heel bone becomes inflamed and causes pain. It is the most common cause of heel pain in children between the ages 8 - 14 years, particularly those who are active or participate in a lot of sports on a regular basis.
Did you know
- Many paediatric conditions such as Sever’s disease have better outcomes when treated early.
- Not every paediatric condition is scary, let us help guide you through the best treatment for your child.
- We structure assessments around simple tasks and activities to keep things fun and a positive experience for your kids.
How can we help with Sever’s Disease at Footpoint
- Custom orthotics:
Footpoint is a leading podiatry clinic and commercial orthotic manufacturer in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. Custom orthotics form an essential part in managing Sever’s disease, as they improve foot function and reduce stress and strain on the attachment of the Achilles tendon to the growth plate in the heel. - Shockwave therapy:
Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to penetrate soft tissues to reduce myofascial trigger points in the lower legs and 'reboot' the healing process. Footpoint has the latest Chattanooga radial shockwave machine offering you the best of this technology. - Dry needling:
Dry needling involves precise placement of very fine needles to release tension from knots or myofascial trigger points. This treatment is very effective at reducing tightness in the posterior chain that is contributing to Sever's disease. - Sports strapping:
Effective application of sports strapping improves function and loading of the foot. This can be very helpful around game day and other important sporting commitments during treatment. - Footwear:
Finding the right footwear can be confusing and overwhelming, not to mention getting the right size and fit. Our Podiatrists can provide guidance on what shoes will offer the best support for your child. - Activity modification:
We want nothing more than to get your child participating with their peers in the activities they enjoy as soon as possible. Happy, healthy, active kids is a key focus of paediatric podiatry at Footpoint. We can educate you and your child on how to approach their training and activities to better manage symptoms and flare-ups - Home care:
Professional assessment and management is crucial, but there are also many simple and effective strategies such as cold packs and massage that can help alleviate symptoms. Our Podiatrists will explain these to you to get your child back on track as soon as possible.
Is your child active and been complaining of heel pain? Book a time with one of our friendly Podiatrists to assess your child today.
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