What is the disease in your heel?
Sever’s disease (also known as calcaneal apophysitis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It is an inflammation of the growth plate in the calcaneus (heel).
How long can Sever’s disease last?
How long does Sever’s disease last? Typically 2-3 months. However, symptoms can last longer in some individuals and can recur over several years.
What is the treatment for Sever’s disease?
Also called calcaneal apophysitis, Sever’s disease is actually an injury, not a disease. Children outgrow it with time. In the meantime, symptoms usually get better with rest, pain medication and proper footwear. To relieve the pain, doctors recommend exercises to stretch the Achilles tendon that connects to the heel.
What causes Sever’s disease in adults?
Sever’s disease is caused by inflammation due to overuse or excessive force on the growth plate of the heel. The growth plate, also called a physis or an epiphyseal plate, is an area located at the end of the bones of children and adolescents. It produces new tissue in order to grow and shape the developing bone.
How do you get Sever’s disease?
Sever’s disease is caused by repetitive stress on the growth plate at the heel bone, at the site where the Achilles tendon pulls on the back of the heel. It typically occurs during periods of rapid growth.
How painful is Sever’s disease?
The pain usually occurs at the back of the heel, but it can also extend to the sides and bottom of the heel. If your child has Sever’s disease, their symptoms may include: heel pain with limping, especially after running. swelling and redness around the heel.
Is Sever’s disease rare?
Sever disease then becomes rare. Any running or jumping activities can raise the odds that a child will get Sever disease. Soccer and gymnastics are common sports that tend to put children at risk.
What type of doctor treats Sever’s disease?
DIAGNOSIS. If the pain persists for several weeks, a consultation with an orthopedic specialist is recommended for appropriate diagnosis. Physicians cannot detect Sever’s disease by x-ray, but often an x-ray is taken to rule out other causes of pain.
How can I help my child with Sever’s disease?
Sever’s disease treatment First, your child should cut down or stop any activity that causes heel pain. Apply ice to the injured heel for 20 minutes 3 times a day. If your child has a high arch, flat feet, or bowed legs, your doctor may recommend orthotics, arch supports, or heel cups.