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Sport Specialization May Risk Severs Disease

Severs disease is an inflammation of the heel’s growth plate, often affecting physically active children and teenagers. The risk of Severs Disease has grown since children are attempting specialization in a single sport at younger ages. Because of this risk, it is generally advised to wait until adolescence to begin any sort of athletic specialization. The best age to begin specialization is said to be fifteen, where most girls finish growing and most boys have only a few years left of growth.

While Sever’s disease is a foot condition of concern, it is quite common in growing children. If you think your child is suffering from Sever’s disease, see Dr. Jeff Wachtel, D.P.M., of Wachtel Family Foot Care. Dr. Wachtel can address all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

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 contact our office located in Lansdale, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

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About Jeffrey Wachtel

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