Symptoms and Causes of Sever’s Disease?
Foot pain, and even lower leg or knee pain, is extremely common in children or adolescents because they are constantly growing. In most children, the heel bone (calcaneus) is not fully developed until the age of 14 or older. Until then, new bone is forming at the growth plate of the foot (the apophysis, located at the back of the heel), an area that is softer than others due to its role in accommodating the growth.
Repetitive stress on the growth plate due to walking, running, and sports causes inflammation in the heel area. Because the heel's growth plate is sensitive, repeated running and pounding on hard surfaces can result in paediatric heel pain. Children and adolescents who take part in a lot of sport are especially vulnerable to Sever’s disease heel pain. Over-pronation (fallen arches and rolling inwards of the feet) will increase the impact on the growth plate and is, therefore, a significant cause and a major contributing factor to heel pain in children.
Symptoms of Sever’s Disease include:
- Swelling
- Obvious redness and heat in the heel
- Limping or avoiding putting weight on the feet
- Pain in the heel
Sever’s Disease is a misnomer. Although it is referenced as a disease, it is not contagious.
How to Treat Sever’s Disease Heel Pain?
Depending on the Podiatrist's diagnosis and the severity of the pain, there are several options for Sever’s Disease treatments, including:
- Rest/reduced activity: your child should reduce or stop any activity that causes pain, such as sports and running. This can be a difficult option, as children are normally quite wilful in pursuit of their favourite pastimes!
- Over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (found in Nurofen): these can be taken to help reduce Sever’s disease heel pain and inflammation. It is best to avoid medication wherever possible as tolerance, particularly in children, can build up. Integrate natural anti-inflammatory creams, such as First Honey, with standard medication.
- Conditioning exercises: these exercises can also help to combat the progression of Sever’s Disease. They can be practiced before physical activity, sport and play. Sever’s Disease exercises are designed to strengthen the plantar fascia. This will reduce the experience of pain in the heel.
- The use of orthotic inserts: FootActive Kids orthotics are made for children, for shoe sizes 11-13 and 1-2½. They will help properly support the foot, help prevent over-pronation or improper gait, restoring your child's foot to the correct biomechanical position. The best insoles for Sever’s disease in children with shoe sizes above 2½ are our adult medical ¾ length range, available from size 3 upwards. If you are in any doubt or your child's foot pain persists then please arrange an appointment with a Podiatrist or Physiotherapist.
For more information on how to support your child with Sever’s Disease or advice before you buy our podiatrist-approved shoe inserts, contact the team at FootActive today!