Does your child love playing sports? Have they been complaining of nagging heel pain, especially after a game or practice? It’s easy to dismiss this as “growing pains,” but it could be a specific and common overuse injury: Sever’s Disease.
At Wayne Foot & Ankle Center, we understand the concerns of parents with young athletes. This guide explains what Sever’s Disease is, how to spot it, and the importance of diagnosis.
What Is Sever’s Disease?
Despite the intimidating name, Sever’s Disease isn’t a true disease. It’s an inflammation of the growth plate (apophysis) located at the back of the heel bone (calcaneus).
- In growing children and adolescents (typically ages 8-14), bones often grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons.
- This can cause the Achilles tendon to become tight and pull on the vulnerable, still-developing growth plate in the heel, leading to inflammation and pain.
Common Triggers: The Sports Connection
This condition is most common in children who participate in high-impact sports that involve a lot of running and jumping on hard surfaces, including:
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Track and Field
- Gymnastics
- Lacrosse
The repetitive stress from these activities irritates the already-sensitive growth plate, causing the painful symptoms to flare up.
Spotting the Signs: How Do You Know It’s Sever’s Disease?
How can you differentiate this from other types of pain? Look for these specific clues:
- Pain Location: The pain is usually at the back or bottom of the heel, not typically in the arch or ball of the foot.
- Pain Timing: The discomfort is typically worse during or after physical activity and improves with rest. It’s not usually a pain that bothers them when they’re inactive.
- The “Squeeze Test”: The heel is often tender to the touch, especially when you gently squeeze the sides of the heel bone.
- Gait Changes: You might notice your child limping, especially after a game, or running on their toes to avoid pressure on their heels. Mild swelling at the heel may also be present.
Why Diagnosis is Key (It’s Not “Just Growing Pains”)
“Growing pains” are typically described as aching in the muscles of both legs, often occurring at night and not related to a specific joint or activity.
Heel pain that consistently appears with sports activity is different. It warrants a professional evaluation!
- A podiatrist can perform a thorough examination and use imaging, like X-rays, if necessary, to rule out other potential issues, such as stress fractures.
The bottom line? Don’t dismiss your child’s heel pain; let us help instead! A quick checkup can start your kid on the road to recovery.
Questions? Concerns? Dr. Lindsey Calligaro at Wayne Foot & Ankle Center is happy to help. Our team has the tools, techniques, and proven expertise to treat your feet. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
