Common Paediatric Conditions

Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)

Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain in children aged between 8 and 12 years, with highly active children at the highest risk of developing this painful condition. Pain occurs during activity and is localised to the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches to the

Causes:

Sever’s Disease is caused by swelling and irritation of the growth plate in the heel. During growth spurts, bones, muscles, and tendons change rapidly. During this time, the tension on the growth plate can change with tightening of muscles. 

Signs & Symptoms:

• pain/tenderness in the heel which worsens during exercise especially running and jumping
• swelling
• tenderness
• limping

Treatment:

Treatment for Sever’s Disease can include one or a combination of the following:

• daily calf stretching
• RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
• footwear review/education
• temporary heel lifts
• temporarily cease or reduce involvement in high impact sports
• use of padding or cushioning in shoes
• Orthotics. Read more about prescription & prefabricated orthotics.
  

Growing Pains

Growing pains may be experienced by children in the thigh, calf, below the knee, or in the heel, causing pain ranging from mild aches through to severe discomfort. Typically occurring at night, growing pains don’t tend to have an impact on daily activities, however, can progress and begin to limit activity.

Causes:

While the exact cause of growing pains is unknown, these factors increase a child’s likelihood of experiencing growing pains

• growth spurts
• tight muscles
• high activity levels
• low muscle tone
• impaired lower limb, foot, and ankle function.

Signs & Symptoms:

• tired/aching legs (child wanting to be picked up or stop activities previously enjoyed)
• muscle pain in the thigh, calves, or below the knee
• episodes are intermittent and tend to occur at night
• pain can be mild, cramping, or severe

Treatment:

• stretching regime
• footwear review
• Orthotics. Read more about prescription & prefabricated orthotics.
  

Flat Feet

Flat Feet: is a condition where a child’s foot or feet have low or no arches and, at times, inward rolling of the ankles.

Causes:

Flat feet are typically hereditary and influenced by genetic factors. They will change through childhood as the child’s foot and leg alignment changes with natural growth cycles.

Signs & Symptoms:

• sore, tired feet/legs
• rolling inwards of one or both ankles
• low or flat arches in one or both feet
• child wanting to be picked up or stop activities more than peers
• increased tripping/clumsiness
• not keeping up with peers during play

Treatment:

• footwear review and recommendations
• stretching exercises
• parent education and monitoring in early years of growth
• Orthotics. Read more about prescription & prefabricated orthotics.