As a parent, you quickly learn to navigate the world of childhood aches and pains. From scraped knees to mysterious changes in mood, it can be challenging to distinguish between a minor issue and something that needs more attention. This is especially true as children grow and learn to communicate more clearly when something feels different than usual.
For example, if you’ve got an active child (and who doesn’t?) who starts complaining about sore heels, it’s easy to assume it’s a simple bruise or the result of a new pair of shoes. However, persistent heel pain in growing children might point to a more chronic condition. It's a known issue where the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed: a condition called Sever’s disease or calcaneal apophysitis.
While the name might sound alarming, it's a common and treatable problem that affects many kids, particularly those who are active in sports.
Symptoms of Sever’s disease/calcaneal apophysitis
It’s not always obvious when heel pain might be important to get diagnosed vs. when your child might just need to take it easy for a few days before feeling back to normal. A few indicators that the symptoms might be the result of Sever’s disease include:
- Pain or tenderness in the back of one or both heels, which often worsens with activity.
- Limping, especially after running or jumping.
- A tendency to walk on their toes to avoid putting pressure on the heel.
- Mild swelling or redness around the heel area.
- Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed.
Pain from Sever’s disease is typically most intense during or after physical activities like running, jumping, or sports that involve a lot of footwork, such as soccer, basketball, and gymnastics. Discomfort often subsides with rest.
This pattern is a key indicator. Unlike a sprain or fracture, which usually results from a single injury and causes more constant pain, the pain from Sever's disease is directly linked to overuse and inflammation in the growth plate in each heel called the calcaneus (hence “calcaneal apophysitis”).
This means heel pain in children is often distinct from conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, which involve different parts of the foot and are less common in children.
How to treat Sever’s disease
As concerning as the term “Sever’s disease” may sound, this condition is highly treatable. The primary goal of treatment is to manage the pain and reduce inflammation even as your child remains active and continues to grow.
In the meantime, several effective Sever's disease treatments can help your child feel better and stay active. Common treatment methods include:
- Reducing or modifying activity: This doesn't necessarily mean stopping all sports and activities immediately and permanently, but it might involve cutting back on high-impact activities. Less running on hard surfaces and more time with low-impact activities like swimming or riding a bike can make a big difference.
- Stretching exercises: Tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons can pull on the heels’ growth plate, worsening the pain. Gentle stretching of the calf muscles several times a day can relieve this tension.
- Icing the heel: Applying ice to the affected heel for about 15-20 minutes after activity can help reduce inflammation and soothe the pain.
- Supportive footwear: Ensuring your child wears shoes with good support is crucial. Encourage them to avoid walking barefoot or in flat, unsupportive shoes like flip-flops.
- Custom orthotics: For many children, custom-fit orthotics are a game-changer. These devices are specially designed to fit your child’s feet, providing targeted pressure relief and support exactly where it's needed. This helps to correct any biomechanical issues that may be contributing to the repetitive stress on their heels while the condition heals.
Custom orthotics for kids with calcaneal apophysitis
A simple bruised heel might feel better in a few days, but the pain from Sever's disease can be more persistent. In some cases, the pain can continue disrupting their activities until the heel bone is finished growing, which can take several years.
Obviously, this is frustrating for an active child who just wants to play without pain. This is where custom orthotics can provide significant, long-term relief.
Orthotics are prescription medical devices that are created from a 3D scan or physical mold of the feet. They do more than just provide cushioning; orthotics support the feet and entire lower body to be in the correct alignment so the body can distribute forces effectively and therefore reduce symptoms of Sever’s disease. As your child grows, these orthotics can be adjusted, ensuring they continue to provide the right support over time.
One of the best things about modern custom orthotics is how discreet they are. At Biocorrect, we create orthotics that fit seamlessly into whatever shoes your child likes to wear. We can even customize devices for specialized uses, like fitting them into various styles of cleats or skates.
Orthotics are a helpful tool in treating the symptoms of Sever’s disease because they help reduce symptoms even as your child goes about their day. This allows them to stay active and participate fully in the things they love to do, rather than being sidelined due to pain.
Custom orthotics for Sever’s disease
A comprehensive treatment plan is the most effective way to help your child manage and live a full life even with Sever’s disease, and custom orthotics are a perfect complement with all-day support.
Our orthotics fabrication lab is based in West Michigan, and we welcome in-person appointments. If you're not local, don't worry—we also offer virtual care options to assist you from the comfort of your home. Custom orthotics can often be purchased using HSA/FSA funds, making them an accessible investment in your child's comfort and health.
Reach out to our team to get started today.
