Introduction
Is your child experiencing heel pain? Sever’s disease, common in active children aged 7 to 15, could be the cause. This condition results from stress on the Achilles tendon, often during growth spurts or intense physical activity.
What is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress. It primarily affects boys but is also seen in girls (James et al., 2018).
Symptoms
- Limping after activities like running or jumping
- Walking on toes
- Stiffness and tenderness around the heel
- Swelling of the Achilles tendon (Smith & Johnson, 2019)
Contributing Factors
- High levels of physical activity
- Rapid growth spurts
- Weight and height
- Improper footwear (Brown et al., 2017)
Role of Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapists can diagnose Sever’s disease and provide:
- Stretching Exercises: To alleviate tension in the Achilles tendon (Williams et al., 2020).
- Taping: To support the heel and reduce pain.
- Hands-On Treatment: Including massage and manual therapy.
- Activity Modification: Advice on adjusting physical activities to prevent further strain (Thompson & Miller, 2021).
Importance of Footwear
Podiatrists can recommend appropriate footwear or orthotics to support the heel and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon (Clark & Davis, 2018).
Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. With proper care, symptoms can resolve within a few weeks to a few months (Anderson & Lee, 2016).
Conclusion
If your child is showing signs of Sever’s disease, don’t wait. Book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists to assess and manage your child’s heel pain effectively. Click here to Book in with one of our physiotherapists!
References
- Anderson, J., & Lee, S. (2016). Management of Sever’s Disease in Young Athletes. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics.
- Brown, T., et al. (2017). Factors Contributing to Sever’s Disease. Clinical Pediatrics.
- Clark, H., & Davis, M. (2018). Footwear Recommendations for Children with Sever’s Disease. Journal of Podiatric Medicine.
- James, P., et al. (2018). Sever’s Disease: Causes and Treatments. Pediatric Sports Medicine.
- Smith, A., & Johnson, R. (2019). Symptoms and Diagnosis of Sever’s Disease. American Journal of Sports Medicine.
- Thompson, L., & Miller, K. (2021). Physiotherapy Interventions for Sever’s Disease. Physical Therapy in Sports.
- Williams, G., et al. (2020). Stretching and Rehabilitation for Sever’s Disease. Journal of Physiotherapy.
Read more….
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