This is the time of year where our children will get ready for school and hit the books while in school. Many of our children will participate in sports. The big sports this time of year are soccer, football, field hockey, cross country, and cheerleading. Many young men and women will transition from the summer of wearing flip flops to going right into engaging in the sport of their choice. The most common ailment from ages 9 until 14 is pediatric heel pain (aka Sever’s Disease, aka Calcaneal Apophysitis).
The correct term is Calcaneal Apophysitis and it is the inflammation of the ligament on the bottom of the foot known as the Plantar Fascia and also the growth known as the Calcaneal Apophysitis. These two anatomical structures became inflamed due to the lack of support of the arch. In addition to the lack of support, the pulling of the Achilles in conjunction of the pulling of the Calcaneal Apophysis will cause a moderate to severe ache while playing sports and with a first step after a period of rest. Infrequently, the pediatric patient can fracture the heel and this can prevent the patient in playing any sport.
Fortunately, this condition can be treated conservatively at Affiliated Foot and Ankle Cneter, LLP with locations in Howell, Edison, and Monroe, NJ. Patients will go through a thorough exam (medical, physical and biomechanical). Usually, I will watch the patient walk because walking can tell a lot about the patient such as the presence of a tight Achilles tendon as well as scoliosis. X-rays are taken in the office to make sure there are no fractures present.
Once the exam is performed, a treatment is put in place, which will include stretching, anti-inflammatories, orthotics and the use of a night splint. A night splint is an apparatus that is prescribed and dispensed by the doctor for the patient to use at night to provide a gentle stretch along the plantar fascial band on the bottom of the foot. An orthotic is a device that is placed in the shoe to provide a bed of support and to prevent the foot in engaging excessive flattening of the arch.
Calcaneal Apophysitis is treatable and responds to conservative treatment pretty quickly. With the treatment plan outlined above and children who participate in the treatment plan, these growing and active children will not miss a step in their junior sports career. If your child is experiencing any of these conditions we urge you to make an appointment by visiting our appointment request page or by calling us in Howell at 732-905-1110, Edison at 732-662-3050, and Monroe at 732-662-3050.
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