What is Sever's disease / Apophysitis Calcanei?
The foot pain sever's disease occurs mainly in active children aged 8 to 15 years old. At the point the site at which the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel becomes inflammed and the bone starts to crumble (a lot like Osgood Schlatters disease of the knee). Sever's diesease is often associated with a rapid growth spurt. As the bones get longer, the muscles and tendons become tighter.
Sever's disease is the second most common injury of this type seen in youngsters after Osgood Schlatter's of the knee.
Symptoms of Sever's disease:
- Pain at the back of the heels when walking and running.
- Possibly a lump at the back of the heel/heels although this might be minimal.
- Pain and tenderness at the back of the heels, especially if you press in or give it a squeeze from the sides.
- Tight Gastrocnemius or Soleus muscles.
Treatment of Sever's disease:
The athlete can:
- Rest and apply ice or cold therapy to the heel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin but wrap in a wet tea towel to avoid ice burns.
- See a sports injury professional who can advise on rehabilitation.
A doctor, sports therapist or physiotherapist can:
- Apply a plaster cast if there is pain. This should give relief of pain for a while.
- Carry out a full biomechanical assessment.
- In persistent cases X-rays may be taken but this is not usual.
A doctor, sports therapist or physiotherapist will NOT:
- Give a Steroid Injection
- Operate - as they are both unsuitable as treatment.
Pages:
- Sever's disease
- Rehabilitation
- Stretching
- Strengthening exercises
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