HEEL PAIN IN GROWING ATHLETES

Sever’s disease commonly affects the feet of children aged 8-14 years old who are active and going through a growth spurt. During a growth spurt, your child’s heel bone grows faster than the muscles, tendons and ligaments in their leg. Ossification or ‘closure’ of the heel growth plate is often complete by the age of 15. Sever’s is typically associated with pain at the heel bone where the Achilles attaches to the growth plate. The pain is due to inflammation at the growth plate where the Achilles tendon attaches to the calcaneal apophysis (heel growth plate). Sever’s is a self-limiting condition and won’t cause any long term damage, however, it is important to manage the symptoms as best as possible.

Common symptoms of Sever’s

• Tenderness over the back of the heel

• Pain following running and jumping – most often towards the end of a game

• Walking with a limp after sport

• Tightness through the calf muscle

How can Sever’s disease be managed?

At PEAK, our musculoskeletal podiatrists regularly manage this condition. They are able to use a combination of the following for the most effective management:

• Advice and guidance on training load and activity modification

• Custom foot orthotics to correct any biomechanical factors

• Strength exercises

• Footwear review and advice

• Manual therapy and strapping techniques

• Running technique assessment

Example of some exercises to help manage Sever’s

1) Double or single leg calf raises

 

2) Banded hamstring stretch

 

3) Hamstring foam rolling

 

4) Calf foam rolling

Helpful tips and tricks for managing Sever’s

- Keep an eye on your child’s growth patterns

- Invest in good quality footwear

- Avoid aggressive stretching of the calf, as this can cause increased compression forces on the Achilles tendon

It is important to treat this condition as soon as possible. If you would like further assessment and advice, book an appointment with PEAK.

Chelsea Enright

Musculoskeletal Podiatrist

PEAK