Does Your Child Have Sever’s Disease?

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While it’s common to dismiss pain in children’s feet as “growing pains,” at Texas Foot Specialists we want parents to take complaints of heel pain seriously. With the fall sports season in full swing, we are seeing more young patients suffering with Sever’s Disease. Don’t panic, it’s not actually a disease. Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, this is a painful inflammation of the growth plate in the heel which can affect children who are experiencing a growth spurt—anywhere from ages 8-15. As new bone growth forms at the back of the heel, it leaves the heel plate tender and vulnerable. Overuse through sports-- particularly ones that involve pounding on hard surfaces like soccer, basketball, and track--is a primary cause of this condition.

Recognizing Symptoms

In addition to heel pain, some of the other signs of Sever’s Disease are:

  • Feelings of tiredness in the feet

  • Discomfort when the sides of the heel are squeezed

  • Swelling

  • Redness

Your first clue, however, may be changes in your child’s behavior in relation to sports and physical activities. Look for non-verbal signs of heel pain such as walking on tiptoes, limping, or a sudden decrease in active play and sports they usually enjoy.

Getting Relief

Fortunately, Sever’s can usually be resolved with minimum intervention. The first step is a visit to our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston (713-664-6677) office. Our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum will examine your child’s feet and may take x-rays or other imaging studies to rule out a more serious condition. If a diagnosis of Sever’s Disease is confirmed, the foot doctor will recommend taking a break from the sport or activities that are causing the inflammation. In addition, the podiatrist will treat the pain and may prescribe physical therapy and/or a custom orthotic to help protect the heel. In children who are very active, this may be a recurring condition until the growth of the heel bone is complete.

If you have questions about your child’s foot health and sports, don’t hesitate to contact us.