What Is Sever’s Disease and How Do You Treat It?
“Young athletes can sometimes suffer from a disease called Sever’s disease. It is not a disease, but it is used.”
repetitive stress is the cause of overuse injuries. They are associated with movements that are high stress and repetitive.
“Overuse injuries are the result of gradual injury over time, unlike an acute injury which is the result of a sudden trauma. The pain becomes so bad that it affects an athlete’s ability to continue in their sport.”
Chronic injuries or repetitive stress injuries are also called overuse injuries.
The inflammation of the connection between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus is what causes the disease.
Young athletes between 8 and 15 years old are the most likely to have this condition. Stress on the body during a growth spurt is what influences it.
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body. It connects three calf muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris) to the heel of the foot, acting on plantar flexion (toe pointing) and knee flexion.
The result of a compromised connection between the strong tendon and the heel bone is strain, microtrauma, and pain.
“Young people are particularly vulnerable to this condition because of the connection point’s vulnerability.”
Other factors include repetitive sports activity such as running, tight ankles, and high impact activity in worn out, unsupportive shoes.
Although surgery or other procedures are not treatments for the condition, they are still available.
“The doctor may want to take an X-ray to see if there is a broken bone. Most cases of Sever’s disease will resolve with rest.”
“If the patient is found to have a condition called Sever’s disease, rest and let the bones grow to maturity will eliminate it. NSAIDs, icing, and calf stretching can help with the condition while it heals.”
“If activity modification and other conservative treatments don’t help the pain, a healthcare professional may apply a cast to the area, though it’s usually not necessary.”
Dr. Emily Splichal, DPM, a podiatrist, human movement specialist, and educator, says that she treats Sever’s disease in a child very similarly to the way she treats Achilles tendinitis in an adult.
Splichal recommends night splints, soft counter shoes, and heel lifts for 2 to 4 weeks. She suggests focusing on soft tissue mobilization and training for the Achilles tendon when the injury heals.
Kinesiology tape is another method that may reduce the pain of Sever’s disease. It’s a special kind of tape that can be used to position pressure points on the skin to reduce pain.
Although
Splichal recommends waiting to use the tape until the healing is over and not applying it during the inflammation period.
The main recommendation is to rest, although some exercises may be allowed. These exercises can help reduce the likelihood of inflammation.
The following tips can help you exercise.
- When engaging in impact-based or athletic moves, wear newer, well-cushioned shoes.
- The muscles of the calf are warm and need to be stretched.
- Work on ankle mobility outside of regular workouts. Consider adding exercises ankle circles, heel raises (1-leg and 2-leg), heel drops (1-leg and 2-leg), toe raises, and seated hamstring stretch with a yoga strap for foot flexion.
- “Cross-train with activities that don’t impact the body, such as swimming or cycling, to supplement fitness.”
- Consider a heel cup or orthotic if recommended by a physician.
- When symptoms are first noticed, rest or modify.
Splichal recommends not stretching in the initial stages of the injury until tenderness and irritation have subsided. At that point, she recommends
How long does Sever’s disease last?
Usually pain lasts for around
What’s the fastest way to get rid of Sever’s disease?
“The first thing to do to ease the pain of Sever’s disease is to rest, meaning that sports and exercise are out of the question during the healing period.”
You can prevent this condition from happening again by stretching, doing mobility exercises, and cross-training. Wearing supportive shoes, using tape to fit shoes, and using heel cups or inserts can help.
Can you still play sports with Sever’s disease?
A good result is not produced by continuing to stress an injury. By continuing, you could make the injury worse or create a muscular imbalance that could cause long-term consequences.
If the injury is very minor, taping can be used to treat it, but most doctors will recommend that you stop playing sports while you heal.
How do you test for Sever’s disease?
A positive test for pain on the inside and outside of the calcaneus will show a sign of the disease.
Many doctors will want to rule out other causes of the pain, such as a broken bone, if they have an X-ray to back up the diagnosis.
What type of doctor do you see for Sever’s disease?
If you prefer a specialist, a podiatrist or an orthodontist is a good option.
Do you need a boot for Sever’s disease?
There is little data for the use of a walking boot with a disease.
It seems like a good idea to check with a doctor before taking on this treatment, based on the possibility of creating a muscle imbalance.
Can Sever’s disease be permanent?
No. The growth plate is 13–15 years old and it is no longer a concern.
Young athletes are a common group of people who have the disease. Stretching and wearing good shoes can help prevent cases of the disease.
Young athletes who run or jump with great regularity may be at risk of calcaneal apophysitis.
Rest, mobility, anti-Inflammatory medications, ice, and taping may offer relief. Although it should be taken seriously and treated appropriately, it is not a problem that will persist into adulthood.
