Growing Pains

Ah, the challenges of becoming a teenager- rebellion, acne, and…heel pain? You may be surprised to learn that some kids do in fact face the problem of a sore and tender heel as they move into adolescence. Though not as common or well-known as the heel-pain that tends to affect adults, an entirely separate type of heel pain with a unique cause can affect kids between the ages of 8-14.
As young children grow older, their bones gradually harden and shift from a softer, more cartilage-like material into harder, more mature bone. While the different bones in our body follow different patterns in this process, most of the bones contain specific, localized areas from which the hardening spreads out to the rest of the bone. The heel bone is no exception, and when the growth area at the back of this bone becomes inflamed and painful, we refer to it as Sever’s disease.
The exact causes for Sever’s disease are not totally understood, but there are many factors which are thought to contribute to it. Kids this age tend to be active in sports and other physical activities which may play a role. Obesity, high-arched feet, tight calf muscles, and a heel that’s pronated or shifted outwards are all factors which may give these kids trouble. Additionally, various inflammatory conditions can also contribute to the problem. One or both heels may be affected, and activities such as running or jumping nearly always make the pain worse.
The treatments for Sever’s disease are typically pretty conservative and include modalities like icing, stretching the calf muscles, NSAIDS, rest, and heel raises. The disease is self-limiting and rarely has serious accompanying complications. However, it’s never a bad idea to visit the podiatrist in order to rule out other possibilities like stress fractures, lesions, infections, or tendonitis.
Once the child reaches 16 years of age, the bone has usually solidified, and the problem should go away. In the meantime, though, it’s certainly a good idea to seek help, especially if conservative measures aren’t working. Kids this age-like the rest of us-should be able to lead active and healthy pain-free lives.

Advanced Foot Care
Robert E. Kuvent, DPM
3225 S Alma School Rd
Chandler, AZ 85248
480.917.2300
http://yourfeetfixer.com