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Tuesday, 14 May 2024 00:00

Sever’s Disease Affects Young Feet

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common condition affecting children and adolescents, particularly those who are active in sports. Contrary to its name, Sever's disease is not a true disease but rather an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. This inflammation occurs due to repetitive stress or tension on the growth plate, often during periods of rapid growth. As a result, the heel becomes painful and tender, especially during physical activities like running or jumping. Despite its discomfort, Sever's disease does not cause long-term damage and typically resolves once the growth plate closes. However, proper management is critical to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence. Treatment may involve rest, stretching exercises, wearing supportive footwear, and in severe cases, temporary activity modification. If your child has heel pain and enjoys participating in sporting activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrist from North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can treat your child’s 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.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated 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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Euless and Southlake, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease

The foot and ankle are complex structures comprised of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. The foot is made up of three main sections: the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot. Key bones include the tarsal bones, metatarsals, and phalanges. Major muscles and tendons control movement and stability. Surgery may be necessary for various conditions affecting the foot and ankle, such as severe fractures, ligament tears, tendon ruptures, or deformities like bunions or hammertoes. Other reasons for surgery can include chronic pain from arthritis or nerve compression, as well as congenital abnormalities requiring correction. In such cases, surgical intervention aims to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve mobility. Procedures range from arthroscopic surgery for minimally invasive joint repairs to complex reconstructions involving bone realignment or fusion. If you are having foot or ankle problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough assessment and to determine what the right treatment is for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrist of North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Euless and Southlake, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Foot and Ankle Surgery

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