Sever’s disease is an affliction of the foot that primarily targets adolescent children. Essentially, the condition occurs when the growth plate, located around the heel, becomes inflamed. This can usually occur in children between the ages of 9 and 12, and will sometimes make physical activity more painful and uncomfortable. Sever’s disease has an interesting relationship with youth baseball. For children that engage in baseball, they might be setting themselves up for Sever’s disease if they are overtraining for baseball, as many children are prone to do. Additionally, if the child is engaging in baseball with decreased strength and flexibility, this might also be a contributing factor. If your child plays youth baseball, contact a podiatrist today for more information about Sever’s disease and what you can be doing to help prevent it.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
