Why does this happen?

The Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel, just next to the growth plate and puts force through this area during gait. If this force becomes too great, this growth plate can become irritated, starting a painful inflammatory process. While increased activity is definitely a predisposing factor, other things may also contribute, such as; reduced movement of the ankle, abnormal foot movements when walking and tight calf muscles. It is also possible that Sever’s disease will appear with no apparent cause.

What is the treatment?

While this is a self-limiting disorder that will go away on it’s own as the skeletal system completes growth, it can be quite painful and this may impact your child’s activity levels and gait pattern. To prevent any long-term issues from adaptations or changes in activity levels, your physiotherapist can work with your child to find solutions that allow maximum movement with minimum pain. Most of the time, simple education and relative rest or ceasing of aggravating activities are effective, however recent studies have found that properly fitted orthotics can help reduce pain while maintaining activity. Physiotherapists can also address any factors, which may have caused excess stress in this region, such as abnormally tight muscles or poor gait patterns. They can also advise of pain relieving treatments and alternative forms of exercise if necessary. Speak to your physiotherapist for more information.