Treating Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is a relatively common affliction of the foot that primarily targets children. Children with this condition of the foot might experience any number of symptoms, including heel pain, swelling at the heel, and even redness at the heel. If your child is currently suffering from Sever’s disease, there are several things that a medical professional like a podiatrist might recommend to ultimately treat the condition. For example, some potential treatments for Sever’s disease include performing certain stretching exercises. To treat Sever’s disease, a medical professional might also recommend wearing certain devices, such as heel cups, to protect the heel from impact. Also, if the case of Sever’s disease is particularly painful, the podiatrist might even recommend wearing something such as a short leg cast. If your child has Sever’s disease, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.