Severs Disease
Severs disease is a problem of the growth plate at the back of the heel in children. Severs disease is more common in those child who are very active, especially on hard sports surfaces. This higher level of activity on the hard ground place a great strain on the growth plate at the back of the heel. The Achilles tendon also attached to the growth plate, so adds even greater stress on it.
The most common symptom of Severs disease is pain during and after sports activity. It s also painful if you squeeze the side of the side of the heel, just in front of the insertion of the Achilles tendon.
This is treated with reducing the amount of sports activity and the use of ice to control the symptoms. A heel raise if often used and calf muscle stretching is also very important.
Podiatry Arena has all the lasts information on Severs Disease and you can ask a question about Severs Disease on the Foot Health Forum and also about Severs Disease at Podiatry Experts.
Calcaneal Apophysitis
Severs disease is a common disorder of the heel in the growing foot that most usually occurs around the ages of 10-15 years. It is thought to be an overuse injury and is more common in active children. Calcaneal apophysitis is the medical term for this problem. The pain is usually felt at the sides or back of the heel.
When we are born the heel bone is largely conssists of cartilage and the bone starts to develop in the middle of this cartilage. A flat piece of bone develops at the back of the heel cartilage zone where the Achilles tendon attaches into the heel bone. By age fifteen or so the two pieces of bone fuse together to create the one heel bone.
Severs disease treatment usually consists of some sort of activity modification and to cut back on the level of sport played; the use of heel raises to protect the heel; and foot orthotics are occasionally used to correct foot posture.
If anyone thinks they may have severs disease, then medical professional advice should be sort. More on Severs disease.