About this topic
Calcaneal apophysitis is a health problem in the foot. It happens most often in children. This is also known as Severs disease. Children's bones have growth plates in them. Growth plates are made of a soft tissue called cartilage. The cartilage later changes into bone. This makes the bones get bigger. Since growth plates are weaker than regular bone, they are at risk to get injured. Near puberty, the foot grows quickly. The bones grow faster than the muscles and tendons around the foot. This can make the tendons that attach muscle to the heel bone tight. The tight tendons at the back of the heel can bother the growth plate. This can cause pain and swelling. It is not serious and most often only happens for a limited time. This problem most often goes away in 2 weeks to 2 months with treatment. ‚
What are the causes?
Fast growth spurt at early puberty ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
This problem is more likely to happen to kids who: ‚
- Are physically active
- Are overweight
- Are between 8 and 15 years of age
- Are male. Boys get more growth plate injuries than girls.
- Play sports. Jumping and running can make this more likely to happen. Taking part in sports that take place on hard surfaces like track or basketball can too.
- Wear poor-fitting shoes
- Have other conditions like:
- One leg shorter than the other
- Flat or high arch
- Foot that rolls inward when walking
What are the main signs?
- Pain in one or both heels that gets worse when running or jumping
- Swelling at the heel
- Redness at the heel
- Stiffness or tightness at the heel
- Unusual walk
- Walking with a limp
- Tendency to tiptoe
- Soreness when the back of the heel is squeezed (squeeze test)
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor may feel around and squeeze the heel. The doctor will also look at how the child walks and check if the calf muscles are tight. The doctor may order an x-ray to rule out some other problem. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Stop activities that cause pain
- Ice
- Keeping the leg raised
- Compression
- Inserts for your shoes. These are foot orthotics.
- Exercises
- Physical therapy (PT)
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Children younger than 18 should not take aspirin. This can lead to a very bad health problem. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your lower leg muscles strong and flexible.
- Wear shoes with good support. Do not go barefoot.
- Avoid running on hard surfaces.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you work out.
Helpful tips
How to Stretch Your Calf Muscle ‚
- Stand about a foot from a wall. Face the wall and put your hands on the wall at shoulder level. Bring one leg back, keep the knee straight and the heel on the floor. Slowly bend your other knee by leaning forward until you feel a stretch in the calf of your back leg. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and release. Repeat 2 to 3 times on each leg.
- Stand on a step while holding onto a rail. Stand so the balls of your feet are on the step and the heels are hanging off the edge. Drop one heel down lower until you feel a stretch in your calf muscle. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and release. Repeat 2 to 3 times on each leg.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/severs-disease.printerview.all.html ‚
KidsHealth.org ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/bones/severs_disease.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚