In his athletic career Joseph Fitzpatrick ranked number one both the 3000m and the 1500m national events in his age group at merely nine years old. Unfortunately, a year later Fitzpatrick contracted Sever’s disease the following year, causing Fitzpatrick to stay off the track.
Fortunately, Fitzpatrick made a full recovery and even won first place in the 1500m and fourth place in the 3000m nationally in seventh grade. Now in the eighth grade, Fitzpatrick plans to keep running at local, state, and national levels. Fitzpatrick will be participating in the upcoming Cross Country Junior Olympics in Georgia.
Sever’s disease is common in athletic children. If you think your child may be suffering from this condition, consult with a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can help guide your child on the road to recovery.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain in one or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Symptoms
Acute pain – pain asscoiatied with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
Improper pronation – the rolling of the foot during walking or running and obesity are all linked to causing Sever’s disease.
Treatments
Rest – the feet and legs needs rest. In order to speed up any kind of healing time, one should refrain from sports activity.
Medication- over the counter meds will help with inflammation and also reduce heel pain.
One can also purchase shoe inserts which will help support the heel and foot. Heel pain usually diminishes after wearing the supported heel inserts.
To learn more about Sever’s Disease, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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