How to Manage Severs Disease

Sever's disease is an inflammatory condition of the growth plate in the heel. it is usually seen between the ages of 9 and 14, and is more common in boys. It is caused by an over pull of the calf muscle at its attachment into the heel bone (calcaneus) via the Achilles tendon. It eventuality settles by itself once the growth plate has closed, but in the meantime the affected heel can be very painful and prevent the child from participating in sports or even make walking painful. Here are some suggestions to help manage Sever's disease.

Instructions

• 1

  Stop all sports until the pain had settled. Children should be removed from all activities such as football, running, soccer and basketball until the pain has resolved.

• 2

  Ice the back of the heel. This should be done for 10 minutes 3 to 6 times a day.

• 3

  Stretch the calf muscles for 60 seconds and repeat this as often as possible. The stretching may help improve the flexibility of the calf muscle and hence stop the over-pull on the heel bone.

• 4

  Purchase a heel raise from a pharmacy. This can further reduce the strain on the calf muscle.

• 5

  Visit a podiatrist if the pain does not settle. The doctor may fit an orthotic with a heel raise and also a night splint to stretch the calf muscle. A walking brace with a heel raise is indicated in severe cases and may need to be worn for 4 to 6 weeks.