Calcaneal Apophysitis is derived from the term that was used to name the heel bone, calcaneus. The term Apophysitis, on the other hand, hails from the term used to name the area of the bone in the heel where the bone grows, or the growth plate. When this area in the heel is inflamed, pain occurs in the heel and thus Sever’s disease or calcaneal apophysitis occurs.
Sever’s disease normally occurs among young children, teenagers and adolescents. Since it is these groups of people, or rather this age range from six to the early twenties, that are the most physically active, they are the most vulnerable to Sever’s disease. Now this disease is caused by the inflamed heel growth in the said heel area. By overusing the foot with heel strikes repetitively, or by continuous stress upon the heel, the bone in the heel gets much pressure and thus results in its inflammation. Another factor which raises the risk of acquiring this disease is by using footwear with improper or poor padding material. Using shoes that are not your size or wearing improper footwear when engaged in strenuous physical activities may also cause the inflammation within the heel bone and cause you severe pain.
Calcaneal Apophysitis – Treating Severs Disease
This disease is diagnosed quite easily. The physician will need to examine your foot and around the area of the heel. Once he or she locates an area with tenderness or gentle swelling, the physician may diagnose you with Sever’s disease. In a severe case of the disease, you may have to undergo an X-ray examination to determine how much of the area is inflamed. Treatment is also quite as simple as the mode of diagnosis. Since the disease is primarily caused by inflammation, what you need to do is to simply refrain from activities that cause too much pressure to the affected area. Ample rest and relaxation from strenuous activities may prove to be a healthy and viable cure to the inflammation that occurs in the heel bone.
Extra padding and the right kind of footwear may, at the same time, be a treatment and prevention from the said disease. Taking extra time to lace up your shoes properly and consulting clerks from your local athletic shoe store can do wonders in treating and preventing Calcaneal Apophytisis.
Pain from Sever’s disease lasts for a few weeks to a number of months depending on the severity of your case. Take time to rest and excuse yourself from physical activities lest the pain returns.
