To avoid contributing to early injury and damage kids specializing in a single sport should hold off until adolescence, research shows. Once kids reach 15 years of age, specializing can commence as it is at this age that boys usually only have three years left of growing and that girls are just about finishing their growth spurts. Dr. Liebeg of Akron Children’s Hospital comments, “During the growth spurts, the growth plates are at a higher risk for injury.” Sever’s disease is one of the most common growth plate injuries that can occur in growing kids. Physically active kids are especially prone to the disease, which manifests with the inflammation of the heel’s growth plate.
Growing children are prone to acquiring Sever’s disease. If your child is suffering from heel pain, see podiatrist Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Dr. Quinn 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.
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