Flat Feet ChildrenDoes your child have pain in the heels after playing sports or after activity? One possible diagnosis is Sever’s Disease. Sever’s Disease is pain and inflammation at the growth center of the heel bone (calcaneus) The area of the growth plate of the heel bone in children is also the attachment of the achilles tendon. Sever’s Disease is a very common condition that tends to be seen in growing children.

Most of the time, your child will complain of heel pain either on the bottom of the heel or in the back of the heel bone especially after activity. It is commonly seen in children who are on sports teams, dance teams or are very active. It is commonly seen in children between 9 and 14 years of age as the growth center of the heel starts to close around 14 years of age.

There are multiple treatment option that your podiatrist can discuss with you for treatment. X-rays may be ordered occasionally to rule out other causes of heel pain (fractures, bone tumors). Treatment options can include icing the affected area, stretching the calf muscles, taking NSAID’s, placing heel lifts in shoes (this can decrease the stress on the growth plate), and decreasing activity level. Sometime in cases that do not appear to be resolving with the above, short term casting can be utilized as well.

Call Quality Foot Care Today at 215-230-9707 to visit with Doylestown’s community podiatrists. We will be happy to discuss the above in detail and help your family stay on their feet!