Heel pain in children may be suspected of

Heel pain in children may be suspected of being plantar fasciitis when in reality it is Sever's disease (PF is rarely observed in individuals under the age of 25). It might be referred to as calcaneal apophysitis and it generally develops in physically active females involving 10 and 12 years old, even though it may occur in males as well.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Sever's disease generally peak after physical activity such as running or participation in sports, along with the following symptoms may affect one or both heels:

A sharp pain at the back of the heel

Increase in discomfort while running, jumping, playing sports

Increase in discomfort following running, jumping, playing sports

Tenderness, mild swelling or redness behind the heel

Restricted calf muscles, especially first thing in the morning

The child walks on their toes

What is causing Sever's Disease?

There can be several reasons why Sever's disease develops but it is generally brought on by growth imbalances in the heel, particularly when muscles and tendons in the feet grow at a slower rate than the heel bone.

This imbalance involving muscle growth to bone expansion can also occur in the lower leg, tossing the calf muscles and Achilles tendon beyond sync with tibia and the fibia. The Achilles tendon then tightens up and pain and inflammation inside the heel frequently develops.

Sever's disease can also be aggravated by the fact that it takes time for children's bones to fully develop and harden off (ossify). That is why the malleable cartilage at the back of typically the developing bone in the heel may become a weak spot, and when typically the Achilles tendon constantly pulls at the not as yet ossified heel plate it can bring about discomfort and injury.

There are other surrounding factors that can lead to the development of Sever's disease as well:

Over-pronation of one or both feet

Decreased limb stiffness

Stiffness in the tendons of the feet

Expansion spurt in the feet

Using unsupportive foot wear

Recurring injuries to the back of the heel, on the other hand minor

Bone spur expansion with small stress fractures build as a result of excessive tension.

If Sever's disease occurs over a long period of the time children may be more inclined to build up knee problems, hip disorders, or even Osgood Schaltter's disease (irritation from the patellar tendon). The joint in the still developing heel bone may become weakened and vulnerable to breakage. This particular often makes stressful or stressful physical activity or exercise inappropriate for the children suffering from long-term Sever's disease.

Whilst it is often referred to as a 'growing pain' since it generally accompanies growth spurts this condition is a difficult one to manage in active children. Sever's disease is without a doubt somewhat misnamed as it is not really a disease but a temporary condition relevant to growth patterns.

Treatment and Reduction of Children's Heel Pain

The best, most dependable treatment for Sever's Disease is certainly time, which can be a difficult reality for the child suffering from pain or reduced activity levels. While there is nothing at all that can be done to prevent Sever's disease you will discover steps that be taken to reduce the children's level of discomfort and debilitation:

Regular stretching exercises should be performed to keep the feet and leg muscles loose together with supple.

Running and jumping on unforgiving surfaces such as concrete must be prevented

Sports and general exercising will have to be limited

Well-fitted sneakers with adequate support and rearfoot stability are recommended

Snow packs should be used when discomfort occurs: 10 minutes at a time should help lessen inflammation

Orthotics should be accustomed to control excessive pronation. These devices are specifically useful as they force the foot to pronate correctly, thereby minimizing pressure on the Achilles tendon.

While there is not any cure for Sever's Disease rather than time, these steps will often reduce soreness and minimize the chances of symptoms drastically progressing.