Sever’s disease and heel pain
Sever’s disease has constituted the most common cause of heel pain among children not unlike plantar fasciitis in adults. It occurs in children when growth plate of children is injured. The growth plate is the growing part of the heel. The bones of foot grow at a much faster rate as compared to other parts of the body. Foot grows to its full size at the first place as compared to other body parts in early puberty. Muscles and tendons do not grow at the pace with bones of the foot resulting in tightening of muscles and tendons. Injury in the heel area is caused because the area of heel is not very flexible and during the process of weight bearing lot of burden is put on the heel area.
Risk of sever’s disease among children
The children are mostly at the risk of sever’s disease at the stage of early puberty. It is more common among children who are physically active. The girls who are more active are at the risk of sever’s disease between the age of eight to ten years. In case of boys disease occur between the ages of ten to twelve years. Teenagers are not much affected by sever’s disease as the growing process is complete in their body.
Symptoms and treatment of sever’s disease
The occurrence of heel pain can be in both the heels. Usually it starts when child starts playing for longer hours or they have opted for any new game. The tendons of heel will become tight. In case child stand on tiptoe will result in more pain. Child is recommended to play for fewer hours or even stop playing for some days. Apply ice pack on the heel for three to four times in a day. Doctor may recommend for therapy in sever cases. He can also recommend orthotics and arch support or the heel cups. Child should not be allowed to walk or run without wearing shoes. Many medicines are useful to get relieved from the heel pain. Stretching exercises are also helpful to get relieved from the heel pain. These exercises should be performed atleast five times in a day to get relived from pain.