Sever's Disease

What are the symptoms of Sever’s disease?

Parents may notice their child being less eager to run and may see redness and swelling with the child confirming pain in one or even both heels. A child may also start to run awkwardly or not be able to rise to the tips of their toes without aggravating the pain.

What causes Sever’s disease?

Poor foot biomechanics in conjunction with the rapid growth are the primary causes for the onset of Sever’s disease, leading to heel pain in physically active, growing kids. This may however also occur even if a child isn’t that active.

The main factors thought to predispose one to Sever’s disease are:

• A reduced range of ankle motion
• Poor stability in the foot
• Tightening of the calf muscles
• Excessive weight carrying exercises involving running, jumping, etc.

What is the parent’s best course of action?

You may consult directly with your Physiotherapist who will conduct a clinical examination, which may include a ‘squeeze test’, to determine a diagnosis and the nature of your child’s specific condition. Physiotherapy treatment aims to restore the foot and leg biomechanics to normal, in addition to eliminating the pain. By going directly, you can save both time and money while prioritising your child’s needs.

Depending on the child’s presentation, some or all of the following phases of treatment may be carried out:

• Relative rest, ice and protection including pain relief and anti-inflammatory tips and strapping for temporary relief
• Regaining a full range of motion
• Restoring foot arch muscle control
• Restoring calf and leg muscle control
• Restoring foot biomechanics as a whole
• Techniques to fine-tune running and landing on the feet
• Footwear analysis.

It’s evident that a comprehensive programme should be adopted, yet there is no need for the rehabilitation to be laborious. Contact us to have your child actively engaging in their favourite activities yet again.