Sever's Disease
Sever's disease occurs mainly in active children aged 8 to 15 years old and results in heel pain. It is often associated with a rapid growth spurt. As the bones get longer, the muscles and tendons become tighter.
The point at which the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel becomes inflamed and the bone starts to crumble (a lot like Osgood Schlatters disease of the knee).
Sever's disease is the second most common injury of this type (called an apophysitis) seen in youngsters after Osgood Schlatters' of the knee. The condition will usually settle within 6 months, although it can persist for longer.
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 meaning reduced ankle range of motion.
Treatment of Severs:
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.
- Rest from activities which cause pain.
- Inset a heel raise into the shoes to take the strain off the achilles tendon and so reduce the pull on the bone (this is only a temporary measure).
- Stretch the calf muscles regularly.
- 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.
- Prescribe orthotics or insoles.
- Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.
- 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.
