When your child is between 9 and 14 years old, the growth plate of the cartilage in the heel may not match the growth of the heel bone itself. This imbalance may cause a condition known as Sever’s disease, common in youngsters who play sports or are otherwise physically active. Luckily, it’s not actually a disease and will eventually subside as the child matures. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness in the feet, limping or walking on tiptoe, and pain in the heel. The main thing to do is stop the activity that may be at the root of the condition, especially if it calls for continued running and jumping on hard surfaces. Usually, low impact activities like swimming are not a problem. Sever’s disease generally subsides when the heel plate finishes growing, around the age of 15. If your younger teenage children are involved in sports, it is a good idea to introduce them to a podiatrist who can do regular examinations and treat any foot care problems as they arise.  

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hamilton Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.