(Sore Heel In Children Ages 9-12)

What Is Calcaneal Apophysitis? Calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever's disease, is an inflammation of the growth center of the heel bone, or calcareous in children.  If frequently occurs in boys age 10-12 and girls age 9-12 who are active in sports during peak growth spurts. The condition is known as apophysitis, because this area of the heel bone in children is known as the apophysis. Symptoms of calcaneal apophysitis are pain on the bottom and around the edges of the heel bone that are aggravated by activity and relieved by rest.

What Causes Calcaneal Apophysitis?

• Calcaneal apophysitis is caused by trauma or injury to the growth center of the heel bone in physically active children between the ages of 9 to 12.
• Activities such as running, jumping, going barefoot, participating in sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis, etc. will aggravate the condition.
• Biomechanical abnormalities os the foot such as flat feet can cause apophysitis.
• Tightness of the Achilles tendon can cause apophysitis.
• Improper footwear can cause the condition.
• Wearing cleated shoes can cause and aggravate the condition as well as running on hard surfaces.

How Is Calcaneal Apophysitis Treated?

• Avoid going barefoot and running on hard surfaces.
• Wear soft shoes such as athletic shoes.
• Oral anti-inflammatory medications such as children's Tylenol, or children's Advil
• Limit physical activity that may cause the heel pain.
• A stretching program that involves the lower leg may help treat and prevent calcaneal apophysitis .
• Cases that don't respond to the above are treated with heel cups or custom made supports (orthotics).
• Severe cases may require a cast to immobilize the foot and let the inflamed tissues heal. 

Will Permanent Damage Occur If No Treatment Is Given For Calcaneal Apophysitis? Surprisingly, even the worst cases of calcaneal apophysitis will spontaneously resolve when the growth center closes with maturity.

To schedule an appointment, please call (405) 751-6152