Is your child complaining of heel pain? Is he/she limping or walking on their toes? This could be Sever’s Disease or Calcaneal Apophysitis (inflammation of the growth plate).
What is causing my child to have heel pain?
There are a number of possible causes for a child's heel pain. Because diagnosis can be challenging, a foot and ankle surgeon is best qualified to determine the underlying cause of the pain and develop an effective treatment plan. Some common conditions that cause pediatric heel pain include, sever’s disease (also known as, calcaneal apophysitis), tendo-achilles bursitis, overuse syndromes, and fractures.
What is Sever’s Disease or Calcaneal Apophysitis?
Although not a true “disease” Sever’s Disease is an inflammation of the heel’s growth plate due to muscle strain and repetitive stress. Sever’s Disease is most common between 8 & 14 years of age when a child’s bones are still in the growth stage and the growth plates have not become ossified.
What Causes Sever’s Disease or Calcaneal Apophysitis?
The cause of Sever’s Disease is not entirely clear but it is most likely due to repeated minor trauma that happens in many sporting activities such as basketball and football. It may also occur from wearing shoes with poor heel padding or poor arch supports. Excessive pronation and a tight calf muscle are also contributing factors. Children who are overweight have a greater risk of developing Sever’s Disease.
This condition usually causes pain and tenderness in the back and bottom of the heel when walking or standing, and the heel is painful when touched. It can occur in one or both feet.
RECOMMENDATIONS : Reduce activity, avoid going barefoot and cushion the child's heel. It is very important that your child wear shoes with padded heel surfaces and shoes with good arch supports even when not participating in sports. A heel cushion or children's arch support are very important to reduce the pull from the calf muscles on the growth plate and to increase shock absorption and reduce irritation. The use of an ice pack after activity for 20 minutes is often useful. Your podiatrist may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or custom orthotics.
Prevention: After Sever’s Disease has gone away, it is important to continue stretching, wearing good supportive shoes, as well as heel cushions or arch support to prevent the heel pain from returning.
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