Wellbeing @ MPS
A message from our local physiotherapist, Tom.
Wellbeing @ MPS
A message from our local physiotherapist, Tom.
Severs Disease
Heel pain in adolescents can significantly limit their ability to keep playing the sport they love. Severs disease is the most common cause of this heel pain.
Unfortunately, adolescents with this issue are often told that Severs Disease is something they just have to put up with until growing stops, but this is not the case. Physiotherapists can successfully manage this issue to minimise its impact on sport and day-to-day life.
First of all, what happens during Severs Disease? During growth spurts, bones lengthen first, and it takes a while for the muscles to catch up. As the shin bone (tibia) lengthens during the growing process, the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) become relatively short compared to the shin bone. The calf muscles are now under tension and this causes a “traction” force where the calf muscle attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus). This attachment site can then become quite painful and a physical lump can often be felt.
There are multiple factors to be considered when treating Severs Disease, but here are my big three to start with:
Whilst these are three things which can be considered when treating this issue, it is not an exhaustive list. Load management (reducing activity or spreading it through the week), modifying footwear and manual therapy to compliment foam rolling are commonplace amongst many other options.
Severs Disease is not something that you just have to put up with – it can be managed well to get you back doing the things you love!
This article is written by Tom Collier, Physiotherapist at Back In Motion Eltham.
If you would like further information, please contact our practice on 9439 6776 to book in a consultation with Tom.