Sever's Disease

In general a child's foot tends to be more elastic and resilient than an adult and thus less prone to injury, except for the heel growth plate. During foot growth spurts a child's foot bones tend to grow faster than the underlying muscle and tendon structure causing tension and tightness in a child's foot. Since the heel is one of the last parts of a kid's foot to fully ossify, very active children in particular are at risk of developing severe heel pain. This kind of children's heel pain is called Sever's disease. Sever's disease is most common in children who play soccer and basketball, but any child who runs and jumps a lot during play can develop the disorder. Sever's disease is easily prevented by putting children's arch supports into the child's cleats or basketball shoes. Child runners and other very active children should wear a supportive kid's athletic shoe that provides heel and arch support during outdoor play. Other common children's sports injuries that can be prevented with children's therapeutic athletic shoes are knee pain and shin splints. If a child is already exhibiting heel pain symptoms such as limping or walking on their toes; kid's heel cushions, stretches, and icing are appropriate treatment for minor heel pain. Parents are advised to take their children to a podiatrist if the heel pain seems to be chronic since the symptoms of a Sever's disease and a heel fracture are difficult to distinguish.

Please contact Dr. Vail's office to receive additional assistance with your child's foot care needs.

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