Severs Disease

There are several causes of heel pain in the young athletic population with the most common being calcaneal apophysitis (also referred to as Sever’s disease). Sever first reported calcaneal apophysitis in 1912 as an inflammation of the apophysis, causing discomfort to the heel, mild swelling and difficulty walking in growing children.1

Sever’s disease is a painful condition that affects growing children at the heel. It is caused by abnormal pulling of the tendon that attaches to the back of the heel (Achilles tendon) on the growth plate of the heel. This abnormal pulling and repeated stress on the growth plate causes pain and inflammation at the heel.

At the Bankstown Podiatry and Injury Clinic, we’ve found that it most commonly affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. Pain can also worsen during ‘growth spurts’ when the bones can grow faster than tendons.

Signs and Symptoms:

Dr Bilal Khelladi successfully treats heel pain in growing children regularly at the Bankstown Podiatry and Injury Clinic and has compiled some common signs and symptoms for parents to look out for!

Painful heels, in one or both which can come and go
Pain is worse after activities and sports, especially those involving running or jumping
Pressing the back of the heel is painful
Pain can be at its worse first thing in the morning

Treatments:

Sever’s disease can commonly be treated with rest, ice, supportive footwear and stretches. Sever’s disease is associated with bad foot posture (such as excessive pronation) which affects the heels of children.

If your child is suffering from painful heels, book an appointment today with Dr Bilal Khelladi at the Bankstown Podiatry and Injury Clinic to have your child’s feet assessed.