Sever's Disease Treatment Bankstown NSW
What Is Sever's Disease?
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common heel injury for children between the ages of 8 – 15. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel swells and inflames, mainly due to growth spurts, and inconjuction with poor foot function and poor foot mechanics. It often presents as pain during and after activity and sport and pain is so excruciating and sore that it causes the child to 'limp' of the field.
Causes of Severs Disease
Sever’s disease can be caused by overexercising and physical activity in combination with excessive pronation of feet being a major contributing factor in the development of sever's condition. Excess pronation of the rearoot causes extra pressure to the heels which causes inflammation and swelling of the calcaneal epiphyseal plate. It's mainly noticeable in boys with sports that involve running and jumping on hard surfaces such as basketball and gymnastics. In very severe cases, the growth plate can be detached (confirmed with x-ray) from the calcaneus and micro fractures can be present.
Treatment for Severs Disease
Treatment for severs disease is usually quite simple and involves addressing foot mechanics with the use of orthotics to control rear foot motion and pronation to effectively decrease pressure of the growth plate of the heel. Heel raises are also used with orthotics therapy to reduce elongation of the Achilles tendon which will help in reducing inflammation. Sport should be avoided during the initial stages of the condition to reduce inflammation. Other modalities that are effective in treating sever's are deep tissue massage, strapping and mobilisations/manipulations of the joints. In the case of micro fractures, detachment of the growth plate and extreme pain non weight bearing modalities like plaster casting or even referral for a surgical opinion in the case of fractures.
If you are concerned about your child suffering from sever’s disease, let us put your mind at ease. At Bankstown Podiatry Clinic, our experienced podiatrists can help with a range of conditions – call us for a friendly chat on (02) 9791 5798 or visit our conveniently located office in Bankstown, Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Treat Severs Disease?: As severs disease doesn't cause any long term problems and symptoms typically go away after a few months, the best treatment is rest. Until the pain subsides, your child will need to stop or cut down on sports. If your child has flat feet or high arches, supportive shoes and inserts will help reduce stress on the heel bone. In severe cases, a cast may be required so the heel is forced to rest.
How Long Does Severs Disease Last?: The good news is that with proper care and adequate rest, you should see the symptoms of severs disease ease off within a few months.
What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid of Severs?: The fastest way to get rid of a typical case of severs disease is through plenty of rest and supportive shoes or inserts.