Sever’s disease is when excessive physical activities injure the growth plate of the heel in children during rapid growth spurts in their early adolescence. It can begin anytime between the ages of 8 to 13 for girls and 10 to 15 for boys.
Often parents notice their child limping, they may be seen to avoid running, jumping and exhibit heel pain when rising on their tippy toes. If your child is suffering heel pain between the ages of 8 to 12, suspect Sever’s disease until proven otherwise. X-rays will confirm the diagnosis.
Kids are more predispose a Sever’s disease when they engage in high impact activities such as running and jumping. They typically present clinically with:
- Tight ankle movement
- Flat feet or excessive-high arches
- Tight calf muscles
Our Podiatrist will use shock-absorbing heel cups or a soft orthotic with the aid of Kinesio foot tapings to support and protect the heel. Pain-provoking activities such as running and jumping need to be avoided as the amount of weight-bearing exercise your child is performing is a crucial factor in the early stages of recovery.
2. Restore Normal Foot Biomechanics
Both flat feet and excessive-high arches present challenges to the foot disrupting its natural weight-bearing stressors evenly. Foot biomechanics is the main predisposing factor to Sever’s disease hence it will be the main focus. Often custom made or “off the shelf” orthotics are prescribed if, by the age of five, the child’s foot arches haven’t self-corrected.
3. Regain Normal Joint Range of Motion
Stiff joints lead to poor foot biomechanics. Treatment will include specific joint mobilisation techniques, soft tissue therapies and electrotherapy to treat affected foot and ankle joints.
4. Restore Normal Muscle Control
The muscles in the hip, thigh, and calf play an essential role in controlling the foot’s normal function so progressive exercise rehab programs are usually prescribed.
5. Review Running and Landing Technique
Running and landing styles may require technique corrections to prevent recurrences as Sever”s Disease can affect one or both heels. Best to avoid going barefooted or exercising on hard concrete surfaces during recovery stages.
6. Footwear Assessment
Heavy and poorly designed footwear with low impact absorption qualities may predispose children to Severs disease unnecessarily. Certain brands offer more support than others and our Podiatrist Dr Ella can guide you through this process for both school and activity footwear that best suit your child’s foot type.
What are the long-term consequences of Sever’s disease?
Early intervention is always best as poorly managed Sever’s disease may result in permanent heel bone deformity compromising foot biomechanics lifelong. Complications may result in shoe-fitting difficulties, blistering, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendinopathies, joint mobilisation issues and tight lower leg and foot muscles.