Understanding Sever's Disease Symptoms: A Guide for Parents
Sever's disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is a common and painful condition that primarily affects children during their growth spurts. Recognizing Sever's disease symptoms early is crucial for effective management and ensuring your child can continue to participate in activities without long-term issues.
Brief Overview of Sever's Disease
Sever's disease is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, known as the calcaneus. It typically occurs in children aged 8 to 14 years, coinciding with their growth spurts. During these periods, the bones, muscles, and tendons grow at different rates, which can create tension and stress on certain areas of the body, particularly the heel. This stress, often caused by repetitive activities like running or jumping, leads to the painful symptoms associated with Sever's disease.
The condition is most commonly seen in physically active children, especially those who participate in sports such as soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and track. However, it can affect any child undergoing a growth spurt, regardless of their activity level. Understanding Sever's disease symptoms is the first step in identifying and managing the condition effectively.
Importance of Understanding Sever's Disease Symptoms
Early identification of Sever's disease symptoms is essential for preventing the condition from worsening. Recognizing these symptoms allows for timely intervention, which can significantly reduce pain and help your child return to normal activities. In addition, understanding the specific symptoms of Sever's disease helps differentiate it from other causes of heel pain in children, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
Parents play a critical role in observing and identifying Sever's disease symptoms in their children. Since the condition is activity-related, children might not immediately express discomfort, making it important for parents to be vigilant, particularly if their child is involved in sports or other physical activities that put stress on the feet.
Common Sever's Disease Symptoms
Heel Pain
The most prominent of Sever's disease symptoms is heel pain, typically felt at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches to the growth plate. This pain is often sharp and can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that impacts a child's ability to walk or participate in sports. The pain usually worsens during activities like running or jumping.
Children may describe the pain as a stabbing or throbbing sensation, particularly after physical exertion. The pain can affect one or both heels, but it is often more intense in one heel. The severity of this symptom can vary, with some children experiencing mild discomfort while others are in significant pain.
Tenderness and Sensitivity
Another common Sever's disease symptom is tenderness and sensitivity in the affected heel. The area may be particularly sensitive to touch, and applying pressure to the back of the heel can exacerbate the pain. This sensitivity is often noticeable when the heel is squeezed on both sides. At the bottom of the page, you will find a short video showing exactly how quickly and easily you can perform the squeeze test on your child to confirm Sever’s Disease.
This tenderness can make it difficult for children to wear certain types of shoes, especially those that are tight or lack proper cushioning. As a result, they may avoid wearing specific footwear or complain of discomfort when putting on shoes.
Swelling and Redness
Swelling and redness in the heel are also associated with Sever's disease symptoms, particularly in more severe cases. The inflammation of the growth plate can cause the surrounding tissue to become swollen and tender, leading to visible redness and puffiness.
While these symptoms are not always present, their appearance can indicate a more advanced stage of the condition. Parents should monitor these signs closely and seek medical attention if they notice significant swelling or if the redness extends beyond the heel.
Stiffness
Heel stiffness, especially in the morning, is another symptom commonly reported in Sever's disease cases. Children may experience difficulty walking normally after waking up due to stiffness in the affected heel. This stiffness results from inflammation and reduced mobility in the area.
Stiffness may improve as the child begins to move around, but it can return after periods of inactivity or rest. This symptom is a key indicator of Sever's disease and should be addressed promptly to prevent further complications.
Limping or Walking on Tiptoes
To avoid putting pressure on the painful heel, children with Sever's disease may begin limping or walking on their tiptoes. This compensatory behavior is a common response to the discomfort caused by the condition. While limping or walking on tiptoes can temporarily relieve pain, it can also lead to other issues, such as muscle imbalances and altered gait patterns.
The impact of limping or tiptoeing on a child's overall mobility should not be underestimated. Over time, these behaviors can contribute to additional complications, including strain on other parts of the foot and leg. Addressing the underlying Sever's disease symptoms is crucial to avoid these secondary problems.
Pain During and After Activity
Sever's disease symptoms are closely related to physical activity. The pain and discomfort associated with the condition often worsen during or after sports and other high-impact activities. Running, jumping, and other repetitive movements can exacerbate the symptoms, leading to increased pain and inflammation.
Children may notice that their pain intensifies during activities that involve constant stress on the heel, such as soccer or basketball. The pain may be more pronounced on hard surfaces, where the impact on the heel is greater. After the activity, the pain may persist for several hours or even into the next day, making it difficult for the child to resume normal activities.
