Sever’s disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, particularly those who are active in sports. As a parent, understanding how to identify the signs and symptoms of Sever’s disease at home can help you take action before the condition worsens.
Identifying Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease occurs when the growth plate in a child’s heel bone becomes inflamed, usually due to repetitive stress from physical activity. During growth spurts, the bones, muscles, and tendons may develop at different rates, leading to this painful condition. The inflammation primarily affects children between the ages of 8 and 15 and is often seen in those involved in high-impact sports like soccer, basketball, or gymnastics.
Signs and Symptoms of Sever’s Disease
To identify Sever’s disease at home, keep an eye out for these key symptoms:
- Heel Pain: Your child may complain of pain in one or both heels, especially after physical activities. This pain is often sharp or throbbing.
- Limping or Toe Walking: Children with Sever’s disease often limp or walk on their toes to avoid putting pressure on their heels.
- Swelling or Tenderness: Mild swelling or tenderness around the heel may also be present. Pressing on the back of the heel will likely cause discomfort.
- Increased Pain After Activity: Your child’s heel pain will often increase after sports or running, but improve with rest.
- Difficulty Flexing the Foot: Children may experience stiffness or have trouble flexing their foot or walking normally after prolonged activity.
How to Confirm Sever’s Disease at Home
While Sever’s disease is best diagnosed by a healthcare professional, there are a few steps parents can take to assess the likelihood of the condition at home.
- Check for Heel Pain: Gently press on the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. If your child winces or complains of pain, it could be a sign of Sever’s disease.
- Monitor Activity: Keep track of your child’s physical activities and any corresponding heel pain. If you notice a pattern of increased pain after sports, it’s worth discussing with a doctor.
Exercises To Treat Sever’s Disease
The exercises in this image help alleviate the symptoms of Sever’s disease by strengthening the muscles and improving flexibility in the Achilles tendon and calves.
- Exercise A (Wall Squat Stretch): Have your child lean against a wall with their arms extended, slowly squatting to stretch the Achilles tendon.
- Exercise B (Heel Drop Stretch): This involves standing on the edge of a step and lowering the heels down to stretch the calf muscles.
Both exercises should be done gently and consistently to help relieve heel pain and improve mobility.
The Mikki Device™ Orthotic Kit for Treating Sever’s Disease At Home
The Mikki Device™ offers an effective, at-home solution for treating Sever’s disease in children. It includes two essential components:
- Sever’s Night Brace: Provides targeted support during sleep, promoting proper heel alignment and reducing pain.
- Custom Orthotic Shoe Inserts: Designed to mold to the child’s foot, these inserts provide support throughout the day, minimizing strain on the heel during activity.
This combination helps manage and alleviate the symptoms of Sever’s disease, allowing children to remain active with reduced discomfort.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your child’s heel pain persists despite home care, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend physical therapy, custom orthotics, or other treatments to ensure long-term relief.
Conclusion
Sever’s disease is a common condition among active children, but with the right knowledge, you can easily identify it at home. Pay attention to the signs, monitor your child’s activity levels, and take action with simple home remedies or orthotic support. By recognizing the symptoms early, you can help your child recover more quickly and get back to their favorite activities pain-free.
For more information on orthotic devices like the Mikki Device™ visit MikkiDevice.com
