Preventing Recurrence
To prevent the recurrence of Sever’s disease, it is important to continue implementing preventative measures. This includes ensuring that the child wears properly-fitting shoes that provide ample heel support. It is ideal for these shoes to have shock-absorbing gel or fabric in the heel area. In cases where the shoes lack this quality, orthotics and insoles may need to be used to protect the heel. Additionally, children should make it a habit to stretch their calves, heels, and hamstrings on a daily basis. If they engage in strenuous activities, it is recommended that they do so on grass or running tracks rather than on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. Lastly, guardians should ensure that their children get plenty of rest in the weeks following recovery.
Long-Term Effects of Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is a condition that primarily affects children and occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed. However, once a child has fully developed and their growth plates have hardened into solid bone, Sever’s disease cannot return. Typically, this occurs around the age of 15 when the growth plates in most children have matured.
Although there may be concerns about the long-term effects of Sever’s disease, it is important to note that there are currently no professional reports documenting any later issues. However, researchers may conduct further studies in order to determine the exact long-term effects of the disease. For now, it can be reassuring to know that once a child has reached skeletal maturity, the condition is unlikely to cause any ongoing problems.