Heel Pain in Children

One of the most common causes of heel pain in young athletic children is something called Sever’s disease or calcaneal apophysitis. In this blog I will discuss what exactly is Sever’s disease, who it affects, how it can be treated and is it avoidable?

What exactly is Sever’s disease?

Sever’s disease, which is also called calcaneal apophysitis, is inflammation in the growth plate of the calcaneus (which is the heel bone). This occurs in a growing child, usually between the ages of 9-11. It presents as heel pain and is usually brought on by an increase in physical activity. If the pain in this area gets severe many times the child will be limping due to the pain. If this worsens it can lead to a red swollen heel.

How is Sever’s disease diagnosed?

Sever’s disease is usually diagnosed by signs, symptoms and clinical exam. A typical patient will be a 9 or 10 year old boy that has been playing a lot of soccer, or basketball, and has pain to the back of his heel while playing sports. He states when he rests the pain resolved. Squeezing on the back of the heel will elicit pain with Sever’s disease. In addition, x-rays can be taken, but are usually normal.

What Causes Sever’s disease?

This is caused by overuse and the stress that it causes to the bone and tendons. Many times with this disease the bones and the child are growing at an excessively quick rate.

How is Sever’s disease treated?

The principles of treatment are RICE, which include rest, ice, compression and elevation. Stretching the tendons attached to the heel (i.e. Achilles tendon, plantar fascia) is very important. Wearing good supportive shoes with custom orthotics will help. If the pain is severe oral anti-inflammatory medications can help.  Physical therapy may help if none of these other treatments resolve the pain. Many times taking a break from physical activity is required until the pain is resolved.

Even if treatment is not sought out it will resolve slowly on its own within a few weeks.

How can I prevent my child from getting Sever’s disease?

Stretching before and after activity is very important, avoiding excessive amounts of physical activity is good to prevent any type of injury. Lastly, wearing the appropriate supportive shoes with orthotics can prevent many different foot aliments.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.footnj.com/podiatrist-new-jersey-about-us/23/237-heel-pain