Sever’s Disease Can Also Affect Children as they Grow

Active children who suffer foot pain could be at risk of developing Sever’s Disease as they grow. A growth spurt usually triggers this condition. However, it can also occur due to injuries which are especially common in active children. Often these symptoms are unnoticed, especially if the child in question is not complaining about any pain in his or her heels.

If your child is suffering from Sever’s Disease, seek the care of a podiatrist such as Dr. Neal Mozen of Foot Health Care Associates.  Dr. Mozen can accurately diagnose this condition in patients. He can also provide your child with the appropriate treatment options to manage the condition.

What is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease or calcaneal apophysitis, is a medical condition that causes heel pain  in one 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 at the back of the heel will make the child unable to apply weight on the heel. The child then must walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running, he usually feels  pain in the heel

Highly active – children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing this disease. They place more stress and tension on their feet.

Improper pronation – the rolling of the foot during walking or running and obesity are all linked to this condition.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices in Southfield, MI, Livonia, MI, and Novi, MI.  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read the Full Article on Sever’s Disease.