Sever’s disease is a common growth-related heel pain affecting active children aged 8 to 15. Although benign, it can disrupt daily life for months or years. Prompt podiatrist consultation and awareness help manage and prevent symptoms.
Parents cannot stop growth or sports but can aid in relief and prevention by early action and educating children on proper sports reflexes.
Symptoms of Sever’s disease
Sever’s disease causes inflammation affecting one or both heels, especially after physical activities like gymnastics, tennis, running, or soccer.
Common symptoms include:
- Heel pain post-sports;
- Burning sensation near the Achilles tendon;
- Swollen, red heels;
- Difficulty putting weight on the foot.
Though symptoms often subside with rest, pain may return upon resuming sports, requiring podiatrist intervention. The pain ceases after growth completion, but specialist consultation ensures child comfort.
Causes of Sever’s disease
The disease stems from vulnerability in the heel bone’s growth plate (physis), which remains cartilage until around age 15. Ossification is incomplete, making the heel sensitive to repeated shocks or abrupt movements common in contact sports. Additional causes and risk factors include:
- Sudden growth spurts;
- Foot deformities like hyperpronation;
- Excess weight;
- Poor posture;
- Inappropriate footwear.
Repeated pressure and lack of foot support are key contributors. Sever’s disease is not hereditary.
How do we prevent and detect Sever’s disease?
Diagnosis is challenging due to diverse heel pain causes; podiatrists use foot x-rays to confirm growth plate issues.
Early detection is crucial: watch for limping, abnormal gait, or frequent post-sport heel pain. Treatment primarily involves complete rest, typically around 4 weeks, though duration varies per podiatrist advice.
If inactivity is difficult, less stressful sports can be considered. Professional guidance may include prescribing proper footwear or foot orthotics, which absorb heel shocks, correct deformities, and relieve pressure points.
PiedRéseau: for the effective treatment of your child’s heel pain
If your child suffers from heel or foot pain, PiedRéseau clinics in Quebec offer advanced podiatric care and treatments. With nearly forty clinics and state-of-the-art technology, PiedRéseau helps children walk pain-free. Schedule an appointment today!