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Dr. Brandon Macy
Podiatrist - Clark, NJ
1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066

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By Clark Podiatry Center
February 22, 2017

Is your sporty child complaining of pain in the heel? Is there swelling or redness in the heels? Discomfort when you squeeze both sides of the heel? He or she may be suffering from Sever’s Disease, or calcaneal apophysitis. It is a heel bone disorder caused by inflammation of the growth plate, a condition commonly found in children ages 8-15 who play sports. Children in this age range are subject to this issue because they are still growing. The cartilage in this area becomes hard bone over time, but is susceptible to injury and inflammation until the bone is set.

Children who play sports with high impact to the feet are more prone to suffering from this disease. With many sports involving consistent practices, the problem can become worse due to overuse and repeated stress on the heel. Unfortunately, sport shoes with cleats are known to aggravate the condition, so soccer and football players are at higher risk. Furthermore, any issues with the Achilles tendon, such as tendonitis, can contribute to Sever’s Diease by pulling excessively on the heel bone’s growth plate. Other risk factors include: flat feet and overpronated feet; high arches; short leg syndrome; and overweight or obesity.

Treatment

While it may not be the best news your child can hear, the primary goal of treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation, which means rest and prevention of re-injury. This may mean cutting back or stopping sports if the pain is severe. Other treatments that your podiatrist may suggest include:

  • Rest and Icing the inflammation to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Compression stockings or elastic wrap to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Heel cups or orthotics to stabilize and support the heel. Arch supports can also help if children are flatfooted or overpronate.
  • Stretching and physical therapy of the tissues around the feet, ankles, and calf muscles.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications if necessary.
  • Short-term use of a walking boot or cast if the issue is severe.

Is your child suffering from heel pain? It may be Sever’s Disease, or it may be another issue. Make an appointment today to have our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy assess your child’s needs and help him or her back to feeling well. Clark Podiatry Center is located in Clark, NJ office in Union County and our team is ready to help! We keep you walking.

 

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1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066

Podiatrist - Clark, Dr. Brandon Macy, 1114 Raritan Road, Clark NJ, 07066 732-382-3470