Due to many children beginning specialization in a specific sport at early ages, research suggests that children may not want to specialize until adolescence in order to prevent the onset of Severs Disease. These experts advise that specialization begins at 15-yearsof age, when boys have only three years left of growing and when girls are finishing their growth spurts.

 “During growth spurts, the growth plates are at a higher risk for injury,” according to Dr. Liebeg of Akron Children’s Hospital. Sever’s disease is a foot condition that commonly occurs in growing children, especially physically active kids. The condition manifests as the inflammation of the heel’s growth plate.

Parents should not be alarmed if their child has developed Sever’s disease, as it is common in children and can be treated. See podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

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 in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

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