Pediatric Heel Pain: Understanding and Treating Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis) at Kalmar Podiatry, Huntington NY

If your child is complaining of heel pain, especially after physical activity, they might be experiencing Sever’s Disease, also known as Calcaneal Apophysitis. At Kalmar Podiatry in Huntington, NY, we specialize in diagnosing and treating pediatric foot conditions, including Sever’s Disease. We understand the unique needs of growing children and provide compassionate, effective care to get them back on their feet.

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What is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s Disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children and adolescents, typically between the ages of 8 and 15. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel (calcaneus) becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and strain. This often happens during growth spurts when the bones grow faster than the muscles and tendons.

Common Symptoms of Sever’s Disease:

  • Heel pain, particularly in the back of the heel
  • Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
  • Tenderness when the heel is squeezed
  • Tightness in the Achilles tendon
  • Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid heel pain

Causes of Sever’s Disease

Sever’s Disease is primarily caused by repetitive stress on the heel bone due to:

  • Participation in sports that involve running and jumping (e.g., soccer, basketball, gymnastics)
  • Rapid growth spurts
  • Tight Achilles tendons
  • Overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot)
  • Obesity

Diagnosis and Treatment at Kalmar Podiatry

At Kalmar Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose Sever’s Disease. This may include a physical assessment, reviewing your child’s medical history, and sometimes, imaging tests to rule out other conditions.

Our treatment approach focuses on alleviating pain and promoting healing. Common treatment options include:

  • Rest: Reducing or avoiding activities that aggravate the pain.
  • Ice: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  • Stretching: Performing gentle stretches to improve flexibility in the Achilles tendon and calf muscles.
  • Orthotics: Custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts to provide support and cushioning.
  • Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons.
  • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Proper Footwear: Wearing supportive shoes with good shock absorption.

Why Choose Kalmar Podiatry in Huntington, NY?

At Kalmar Podiatry, we are dedicated to providing exceptional pediatric podiatric care. Our team understands the unique needs of children and works closely with families to develop personalized treatment plans. We strive to create a comfortable and welcoming environment where your child feels at ease.

Don’t let heel pain keep your child from enjoying their favorite activities. Contact Kalmar Podiatry in Huntington, NY, today to schedule an appointment and get your child back to pain-free play!