Although Sever’s is termed a “disease,” it is also referred to as growing pains because it is usually associated with a growth spurt in a child. The condition is painful and can cause a lot of discomfort. It is not lasting and will usually heal within a few months, though it can reoccur until the heel is fully grown. Learn more about Sever’s Disease.
What Causes Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s Disease develops when muscles and tendons are not able to keep up with the rapid growth of the heel bone. Because of this, inflammation, swelling, and tenderness occur in the area of the growth plate of the heel and cause pain. Athletic activities can aggravate the condition and even cause it to develop.
Treatment for Sever’s Disease
If you think your child has Sever’s, it is a good idea to get a doctor's diagnosis to confirm this. If it is indeed Sever’s, the treatment will be similar to that of plantar fasciitis. The best way to relieve the pain is to reduce stress on the heel bone through supportive footwear or insoles.
How Insoles Help With Sever’s Disease
Insoles can help manage pain from Sever’s Disease in the following ways:
- Heel cushioning provides direct shock absorption to the growth plate area of the heel bone, reducing the impact stress that causes pain in young athletes with Sever's disease during running and jumping activities.
- Deep heel cups cradle and protect the sensitive growth plate area while also helping to center the heel bone, reducing the strain on the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the already irritated growth plate.
- Arch support helps distribute pressure more evenly across the foot, reducing the pulling force on the heel bone from the plantar fascia and helping to minimize stress on the growth plate during activity.
- Gradual heel-to-toe transition helps reduce the tension placed on the Achilles tendon during walking and running, which in turn decreases the strain on the heel's growth plate where the tendon attaches.
- Shock-absorbing materials extending into the midfoot area help reduce the overall impact forces that travel through the heel during sports and play, providing additional protection for the vulnerable growth plate area typical in growing children.
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