Sever’s Disease: Treatment Exercises

If you have Sever’s disease, you would know that it is very painful and most common in children and youth. Luckily, this condition doesn’t have long-term effects and should go away after a couple of months with proper treatment, however, in the meantime, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the symptoms. This article will detail what this disease is and what you can do about it.

What is Sever’s disease?

Sever’s disease is the inflammation of the growth plate of the heel that occurs when the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments. This causes a tight stretch. The Achilles tendon in particular will pull on the growth plate, resulting in pain that will diffuse with rest. Depending on the child’s foot types, it has been shown that those with flat feet or high arches are more at risk of developing the disease.

Typically, girls and boys will experience their growth spurts at 7-13 years of age and 10-15 years of age, respectively, which is when the condition will appear. Especially if the child partakes in sports with a lot of impact on harder surfaces or wears cleats, this can exacerbate the stretch. The symptoms should disappear once the child grows into themselves, however, if not properly looked after, long-term damage such as arthritis may occur.

What are your treatment options for Sever’s disease?

Luckily, as previously mentioned, this disease should go away after a few months when the growth plates close. However, the pain will likely be incredibly uncomfortable, so you can alleviate it with anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. You can also use R.I.C.E. which stands for rest, ice, compress, elevate whenever the child needs. There are other options out there such as a cast to help with the pressure or inflammation.

Here are some exercises you can try:

Exercises that stretch the hamstring, calf muscles, and tendons should be performed 2 to 3 times a day held for 30 seconds each.

1. While seated, have the child’s leg extended and straight. Then have someone push the foot towards the child for both feet. Repeat this 10 times.
2. With their hands on a wall, have the child lean towards it and bend one knee. The other leg should be straight out behind them. Switch legs, 10 times each.
3. Sitting with your legs straight out in front of you, find a towel or band and wrap it around the soles of the child’s feet. Pull the band towards themselves and repeat 10 times.

If you believe that your child may have Sever’s Disease, our team will have them examined to decide your treatment options at Mobility on Mainway! Call us at 289-245-6624 to book an appointment.

Mobility on Mainway is here to deliver the best form of care to your feet and ankles so that you can get back up and start the rest of your journey pain-free!