During adolescence, heel pain is common in children who actively participate in sports such as football, gymnastics or dance. This condition is often associated with Sever's disease, also known as osteochondropathy of the heel bone's growth plate.
It is important to note that Sever's disease is not an injury. It is an inflammatory process in the heel bone's growth plate that mainly occurs in children aged eight to fourteen, as the skeletal and muscular systems develop at different rates during this period.
During physical growth, an adolescent's bone often grows faster than the surrounding tendons. As a result, during physical activity, the tight Achilles tendon exerts strong pressure on the part of the heel bone that has not yet fully developed.
Constant tendon tension and mechanical stress lead to microtrauma, which causes an inflammatory process to develop in the growth plate. This is a natural process, but one that causes discomfort and requires appropriate attention.
Affected areas of the body
- Heel
- Achilles tendon
- Foot
Common symptoms
- 01Pronounced pain in the heel area after physical activity or exercise.
- 02Changes in walking pattern and limping, especially after activity.
- 03Discomfort and increased tenderness when light pressure is applied to the back of the heel bone.
- 04A feeling of stiffness and tightness along the Achilles tendon.
- 05Increased pain intensity during movements such as running or jumping.
Accepted treatment methods
These methods are accepted in international clinical practice and are not exclusive to our clinic's approach.
- Ortho Foot clinic assesses the patient's condition through a detailed biomechanical examination and baropodometry, using modern SensorMedica equipment.
- Based on the assessment, a custom orthopaedic insole is made with a special lift that raises the heel and relieves tension in the Achilles tendon.
- The custom insole reduces impact forces during movement, cushions the heel's contact with the surface and protects the sensitive area from excessive irritation.
- This approach accelerates recovery and helps inflammation subside, allowing the child to return to an active life under the right conditions without prohibiting sports.
Related products
These products are not yet on sale and cannot be purchased at this stage.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation at the Ortho Foot clinic.
