Sever's Disease Ballarat Podiatrist
Supporting your child towards reduced heel pain and better mobility.
Is Heel Pain Affecting Your Chid's Life?
When your child is struggling due to pain, it can be hard to know what the right path is to take is. Heel pain has the potential to have a significant impact on your child’s daily life, making many aspects difficult, such as walking to school, having fun with friends, and taking part in sports. Subsequently, getting to the root cause as soon as possible can be important.
One condition that may cause heel pain is Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis. This is an issue that affects children as their bodies undertake a significant phase of growth, so most children are susceptible. Understanding what Sever’s disease is and how a highly skilled podiatrist may address the condition may help you support your child. The good news is that our clinics in Ballarat aim to assist your child with reliable and comprehensive services.
What is Sever's Disease?
Sever’s disease is a growth related issue that typically affects children aged approximately eight to 14 years of age, which is when their bodies are undergoing major changes. It has the potential to affect boys and girls, but is more prevalent in boys.
The issue develops when the growth plate of the heel bone is subjected to excessive forces created by the Achilles tendon pulling (the large tendon that runs between the heel bone and the calf muscle) or in some cases trauma from heavy ground contact (landing from jumps etc). If your child has reduced foot functionality, flat feet, or tight calf muscles, they may be more prone to the condition.
Sever's Disease Symptoms
Several symptoms may be present when Sever’s disease develops. These may worsen when your child has been active, such as playing sports, running, or jumping. Symptoms typically improve with rest.
Symptoms may include:
- Heel pain in one foot or both
- Swelling around the heel/s
- Reluctance to put pressure on the heel/s
Treatments for Sever's Disease
Sever’s disease typically resolves when the child’s growth plate closes, which is when new bone stops developing. Because the soft bone within the heel becomes hard, it is stronger and more able to withstand the stresses.
However, in the meantime, symptoms may limit your child’s mobility and comfort levels, so treatment plans based on a holistic approach to manage the symptoms may be beneficial.
Treatment techniques that your child’s podiatrist may incorporate into their personalised plan include:
- Development of custom orthotics
- Strapping and compression
- Specific exercises to strengthen and stretch the soft tissue
- Footwear advice
- Activity modification
- Education
Your Sever's Disease Questions Answered
Most children will eventually grow out of this condition. However, it may be months or years before this occurs. Treatment from an experienced podiatrist aims to target the underlying cause where they incorporate evidence-based strategies to manage symptoms, aiming to improve mobility and functionality.
A child may be more likely to develop Sever’s disease if they are:
- Experiencing puberty
- Male
- Particularly active
- Dealing with foot functionality issues, overuse injuries, and/or tight calves
- Have unstable (flat) feet
- Are involved in barefoot activities
Some health funds do provide support for patients. Please contact your fund to establish whether you are eligible to make a claim.
If your child is in significant pain, it may be beneficial to visit their GP to rule out other conditions or undertake specific testing if required. Your podiatrist is able to diagnose and treat Sever’s and will refer you to your GP if necessary.
Why Choose Ballarat Podiatrist ?
Our team of Ballarat podiatrists is dedicated to supporting our patients towards healthy feet and an improved quality of life. We look forward to meeting you and your child and aim to help them decrease their pain.
Extensive Experience
Our podiatrists are committed to constantly improving their skills and supporting their clinical experience and knowledge through regular professional development.
Personalised Treatment Plans
By spending time with you and your child and undertaking a full assessment, your podiatrist will develop an individualised plan to help your child towards reaching their goals.
Safe Environment
We understand that children may find medical treatment confronting, so we strive to put them at ease and make each session as stress free as possible.
Comprehensive Chronic Disease
Management in Ballarat
If your child is having difficulty with heel pain and reduced foot functionality, please contact our friendly team to organise an appointment at your earliest convenience.
