Sever’s Disease Houston’s formal name is calcaneal apophysitis; it causes heel pain due to the irritation and swelling of the growth plate. The growth plate is a weaker layer of cartilage near where the bone growth takes place. The muscles and tendons become tight during growth pulling the heel and when active the tendons and muscles pull injuring the growth plate. Within a few months of management, the condition goes away without any lasting problems.
Who gets the Sever’s Disease and the Heel pain?
It is common in the skeletal of immature athletes because of an overuse injury to the Achilles tendon.
It is common in kids within the growth spurt especially between the age of 9 to 14 years old and common in males than females. It is because of the rapid growth rate in active adolescents.
iii. Young people engaging in active activities or sports that require repetitive jumping and running such as cross-country, gymnastics, basketball, and soccer.
Risk factors that increase chances of developing sever’s disease
Overuse injury from all-year-round sports or activities.
Worn-out footwear or poorly fitting footwear.
Poor training mechanics and training on hard surfaces.
Biomechanical factors such as poor heel flexibility.
Being overweight adds pressure to the foot.
Sever’s Disease Treatment
Severs disease treatment is self-limiting because it revolves around maturity and the closure of apophysis.
The non-operative options of severs disease treatment include
Resting or enjoying periods of inactivity without active sporting until the symptoms subside.
Wearing proper footwear, well maintained and updated.
The use of orthotics or casting is dictated by clinicians for severe symptoms of the condition. It may mean some periods of immobilization depending on the severity of the symptoms. Heel pads and heel cups can also be used.
Utilization of Achilles tendon stretches and include heel cord stretching, to strengthen dorsiflexor.
Apply ice to the foot before and after activities, especially sports.
Take over the counter painkillers with the guidance of a health professional.
Wear open shoes at the back to avoid irritation to the heel.
The improvement of the symptoms takes place from 6 months onwards. It might not be necessary for injections or surgical interventions since the condition does not cause long-term complications.
Preventative measures
Preventative measures should be to avoid overuse injuries to the foot. It is essential to maintain adequate hydration, have adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and increase activity level at the rate of 10 percent every week.
Use stretching to maintain flexibility and use proper equipment and techniques for sporting activity.
Specialize in one single sport in the early years. Sometimes patients are involved in multiple sports that can cause a challenge during the healing process from the disease.
Sever’s disease Houston issues can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing pain with your sever’s disease and the heel pain, contact the podiatrist at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
