Effective Sever Disease Treatment for Growing Kids

Best Sever’s Disease Treatment in Delhi

What is Sever’s Disease ?

Sever’s Disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in children and adolescents, particularly those who are physically active. It is not a true disease but rather an inflammation and irritation of the growth plate in the heel bone (calcaneus).

Causes

Sever’s Disease typically occurs during a child’s growth spurt, usually between the ages of 8 and 15. The main cause is repetitive stress and microtrauma to the growth plate at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches.

Several factors contribute to this:-

Rapid Growth: During growth spurts, bones grow faster than muscles and tendons. This can lead to tightness in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, increasing tension and pull on the vulnerable growth plate in the heel.
Overuse/Repetitive Stress: Activities involving a lot of running, jumping, or high-impact movements (e.g., soccer, basketball, gymnastics, track and field) place significant stress on the heel, aggravating the growth plate.
Tight Calf Muscles/Achilles Tendon: Pre-existing tightness in these muscles can exacerbate the pull on the heel’s growth plate.
Poor Footwear: Unsupportive shoes, especially those with minimal heel cushioning or studs (like football boots), can increase pressure on the heel.
Biomechanical Factors: Foot mechanics like pronation (feet rolling inward) can alter weight distribution and stress on the heel.
Increased Body Weight: Higher body weight can put additional pressure on the growth plate.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of Sever’s Disease is pain or tenderness in the back of one or both heels. Other symptoms may include:-

Heel pain: This is often worse during or after physical activity, especially running and jumping.
Limping: Children may limp or walk on their tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the painful heel.
Pain with heel compression: Squeezing the heel from both sides typically elicits pain.
Stiffness: The foot may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after periods of rest.
Swelling and redness: Though less common, mild swelling or redness around the heel may be present.
Difficulty walking: Due to discomfort, a child’s gait may change.

Advanced Physiotherapy for Sever's Disease

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing Sever’s Disease and facilitating a return to activity. While the condition is self-limiting and resolves when the growth plate fuses (typically by late adolescence), physiotherapy helps alleviate symptoms, promote healing, and prevent recurrence.

Pain and Inflammation Management:-
- Ice Application: Regular application of ice to the affected heel helps reduce pain and inflammation.
- Manual Therapy: Soft tissue massage and mobilization techniques, particularly for tight calf muscles and the Achilles tendon, to reduce tension and improve flexibility.
- Modalities: In some cases, modalities like ultrasound or dry needling may be used to address muscle tightness and pain.
Biomechanical Factors and Muscle Imbalances:-
- Stretching: Stretching exercises for the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) and Achilles tendon are essential to improve flexibility and reduce pull on the growth plate. Hamstring stretches may also be included. These are best done after activity when tissues are warm.
- Strengthening:
- Calf Muscle Strengthening: Once pain subsides, gradual strengthening of the calf muscles (e.g., heel raises) to improve their capacity to handle load.
- Foot and Ankle Stability: Exercises to strengthen intrinsic foot muscles and improve ankle stability.
- Proximal Strengthening: Addressing any weakness in the hips and core, as these can impact lower limb mechanics and contribute to abnormal loading on the heel.
- Heel Lifts/Pads: Inserting heel lifts or pads into shoes can reduce the stretch on the Achilles tendon and alleviate pressure on the heel growth plate.
Movement Pattern Retraining and Return to Activity:
- Gait Analysis: Assessing walking and running patterns to identify any inefficiencies or compensations that are contributing to the heel pain.
- Sport-Specific Rehabilitation: Gradually reintroducing sport-specific movements and drills, ensuring proper technique and progressive loading to prevent re-injury. This might involve plyometric exercises or agility drills.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Working Hours

Mon - Sat: 9:00AM to 8:30PM
Sunday: 9:30AM to 7:30PM

Call Us

+91 8090080906
+91 8090080907
+91 8866991000