To prevent any early damage and injury in growing kids, having an investment in specialization in a single sport should generally be avoided until a child is at least 15-years-old. This information comes as a result of a growing number of children attempting specialization at younger ages and incurring the condition.
Specialization should instead begin upon reaching adolescence, as it is around this time that teens either stop growing or are almost fully developed. Sever’s disease is a common foot condition that occurs in growing children, and manifests as the inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. The condition often affects physically active kids.
While Sever’s disease is a foot condition of concern, it is quite common in growing children. If you think your child is suffering from Sever’s disease, see Dr. Michael H. Wynn, DPM of Foot Care Associates of Texas. Dr. Wynn will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Toe gait- develops in which the child must change the way they walk to avoid placing weight on the heel. This can lead to other problems as well in the future.
Symptoms
Acute pain – pain asscoiatied with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
For more information about Sever’s Disease, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Kingwood, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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