Sever’s Disease
Sever’s Disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common condition that can affect growing kids and adolescents.
This condition most commonly occurs in children between the ages of 8 and 14, particularly those who are experiencing rapid growth and participate in high-impact sports.
Sever's Disease Symptoms and Complaints
Patients who visit our Charlotte Sports Chiropractic office for Sever’s Disease usually complain of the following
- Pain in the heels
- Swelling
- Pain during high-impact sports
- Difficulty walking
What Causes Sever's Disease?
Sever’s Disease is most common in children who are active in sports. It occurs when the Achilles tendon repeatedly pulls on the growth plate in the heel, causing inflammation.
Improper joint mechanics and muscle synergy are the most common factors that can lead to Sever's Disease.
When an athlete runs, the force produced from their foot hitting the ground is transmitted through the many joints of the foot and up the leg and body. If some joints lack motion, the force cannot be transmitted effectively, adding stress and load through the calcaneus and growth plate.
Improper muscle activation is also a contributing factor. If the small intrinsic foot muscles used for stability and control aren’t doing their job correctly, larger postural muscles, such as the gastrocnemius (calf muscle), will have to overcompensate, leading to added stress and inflammation on the heel.
At Denner Chiropractic & Performance | Charlotte NC
We use a variety of techniques to help our patients find relief from Sever’s Disease
Our techniques include
- Sports chiropractic
- Physical therapy
- Fascial manipulation
- Dry needling
- Kinesio taping
Our Method at Denner Chiropractic & Performance
At Denner Chiropractic & Performance, we believe in an evidence-based holistic approach to treating Sever’s disease.
We take the time to get to know our patients and develop an individualized treatment plan that meets their needs.
Our treatments methods
- Joint manipulation: Manipulation of the joints in the foot that lack motion can help to restore proper mechanics and reduce stress on the growth plate
- Rehabilitation exercises: Exercises that focus on improving muscle strength and flexibility can help to correct muscle imbalances and reduce the strain on the heel.
- Dry needling: This is a minimally invasive technique that involves inserting a thin needle into the affected area to stimulate the healing process and reduce pain.
Why Should You See A Sports Chiropractor
Sports chiropractors are trained to identify the underlying causes of musculoskeletal injuries and develop personalized treatment plans to address them. In the case of Sever's disease, a chiropractor may use a combination of manual therapy, such as soft tissue mobilization and joint manipulation, along with exercise rehabilitation to alleviate symptoms and prevent further injury.
One key area of focus for sports chiropractors is optimizing biomechanics. By identifying any imbalances or areas of weakness in an athlete's body, they can develop exercises and stretches to improve overall function and reduce the risk of injury. This can be especially important in cases of Sever's disease, as it is often linked to overuse or poor biomechanics.
In addition to manual therapy and exercise, sports chiropractors may also use dry needling to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
By taking a holistic approach to treatment, sports chiropractors can help athletes manage their symptoms and return to their sport with greater comfort and confidence.
Overall, sports chiropractic can be a valuable tool in the management of Sever's disease. By addressing the underlying causes of the condition and developing a personalized treatment plan, sports chiropractors can help young athletes find relief from pain and get back to doing what they love.
Q&A Section
Q: Who is most at risk for Sever's disease?
A: Sever's disease is most common in children between the ages of 8 and 14, particularly those who are involved in sports that involve running and jumping.
Q: How is Sever's disease diagnosed?
A: A healthcare provider can usually diagnose Sever's disease based on a physical examination and a review of the patient's movement and biomechanics.
Q: Can Sever's disease be prevented?
A: There are steps that young athletes can take to reduce their risk of developing Sever's disease, such as wearing properly fitting shoes, warming up before physical activity, and gradually increasing the intensity of their workouts. Maintaining good overall health through a balanced diet and regular exercise can also help prevent injury.
Q: How long does it take to recover from Sever's disease?
A: The length of time it takes to recover from Sever's disease can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of the treatment. In most cases, symptoms will improve within a few weeks to a few months with appropriate treatment and rehab.
