Over the past few years, the most common problem we see in clinic, involving children, would most definitely be heel pain. This could be present when playing sport, or after participating in other forms of strenuous activity.
This condition, which is often misdiagnosed as a simple growing pain, is called Sever’s Disease or more recently it has been renamed, Calcaneal Apophysitis. It affects boys far more often than girls, especially between the ages of 8 and 14.
It is commonly seen in children participating in Football, Rugby, and Hockey; however, it is not limited to these sports alone.
Sever’s Disease sounds terrible doesn’t it but there is no need to panic as it is not a contagious or an incurable condition.
In children, there is a growth plate located at the back of the heel, which at puberty becomes solid and forms part of the heel bone, however prior to puberty it can cause pain if the child’s foot rolls inwards or outwards too much, causing increased stress on this area and in turn causes pain.
This heel pain can become quite intense and the most obvious signs, for the parents and coaches to look for, will involve the child limping around after sport and often complaining that their heels or ankles are hurting. This can often happen during a match or in a training session, prompting the child to leave the game.
If the pain continues, the child sometimes cannot play sport at all, and just feels like throwing in the towel due to the frustration of not being able to play at their best.
Why would you let a child go through pain for weeks, months and in some circumstance’s years, when it can easily be resolved?
In a lot of cases there maybe be an underlying biomechanical foot problem, or muscular tightness, that requires our attention.
As Podiatrists, we can easily evaluate your child’s foot, lower limbs, and muscular flexibility, to identify if a problem exists. Once a problem is identified, a simple treatment plan is put in place.
Initial treatment may involve using temporary padding and strapping to control motion or to cushion the painful area and based on the success of this treatment, a long-term treatment plan can be put in place.
This long-term treatment plan may or may not involve insoles (orthotics), heel raises, muscle stretching and or strengthening, alongside a footwear change with advice.
Please don’t listen to people who say they must put up with it, it is just not true.
Let’s get these young adults back in the game!
To organise an assessment for your child, please telephone the clinic on 01947820319 or book online
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