FOOT ORTHOSES

Sever’s Disease/Calcaneal Apophysitis

Definition
Disruption of the growth plates causing inflammation and pain at the back of the heel bone, known as Sever’s disease or Calcaneal Apophysitis.

Symptoms
This condition is common with children between the ages of 8-14 years, particularly during or after sporting activity.

Biomechanical etiology
At age 8-14 children’s bones have not ossified and high activity may disrupt the growth plates causing inflammation and pain.

Treatment
Foot orthotics with a raised heel controls excess pronation of the foot and reduces the tractional forces on the Achilles tendon,thereby stabilising the calcanues and reducing vertical tractional forces on the growth plate.

Exercises
Stretching of the calf muscles.