The most common cause of heel pain in children between the age of seven and fourteen years is Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease occurs as a result of an overuse syndrome and affects boys more than girls. The human baby has far more bones than an adult. This is because the young skeleton is not fully developed yet and bones are still hardening and fusing together. The heel (or calcaneus) has two centres of ossification (hardening and fusing of bone). These two little ‘bones’ unite at approximately 12 years of age to form one heel bone or calcaneus. Heel pain is often caused by strong forces of the Achilles tendon (which attaches to the back of the heel bone) pulling on the non-fused area of the heel, disrupting the normal fusing process. This can cause inflammation and pain in the heel.
Symptoms of Sever’s Disease include:
- Present in one heel or both
- Pain in the heels, vigorous exercise or weight bearing activities may cause much pain and a reduction in participation
- Heat and swelling in the heel
- Discomfort wearing school shoes
- Occurs soon after or before a growth spurt
- Common in very active children
How Do I Treat Sever’s Disease?
Your podiatrist will provide accurate diagnosis and treatment of Sever’s but treatment usually involves the following:
- Rest
- Ice
- Strapping
- Heel cushions and raises
- Biomechanical examination may reveal other causative factors that may need orthotic therapy
- After resolution, Achilles stretches and possible physio
