Navigating the Impacts of Sever's Disease on Young Athletes

Navigating the Impacts of Sever's Disease on Young Athletes

Sever's disease, a condition that primarily affects young athletes, can have profound physical, psychological, and social impacts. It arises from the inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone due to overuse, and it's more common than you might think. In this blog, we will explore the multifaceted effects of Sever's disease on young athletes, the importance of timely assessment and rehabilitation by a paediatric physiotherapist, and the unique challenges associated with sports, growth, and recovery in pre-adolescent individuals.

Understanding Sever's Disease

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. This condition is most prevalent in active, growing children and typically affects those between the ages of 8 to 14, with boys and girls facing slightly different age brackets due to variations in peak height velocity.

Physical Impacts

Young athletes dealing with Sever's disease often experience acute physical challenges. Pain and discomfort can severely limit their ability to participate in sports, especially those that involve jumping, dynamic movements, sprinting, or endurance. Playing through this pain may lead to compensatory changes in their biomechanics and movement patterns, increasing the risk of other injuries.

Psychological Impacts

The psychological toll on young athletes cannot be underestimated. Being sidelined due to pain and discomfort can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a fear of falling behind in their sport. It's essential to address these psychological impacts to maintain the athlete's motivation and love for the game.

Social Impacts

The social consequences of missing out on sports can be isolating for young athletes. They may feel left out, excluded from their team, or disconnected from their peers. This can affect their self-esteem and social development, further underscoring the importance of managing Sever's disease effectively.

The Role of Assessment and Rehabilitation

Timely assessment and rehabilitation with an experienced paediatric physiotherapist are crucial for optimal management of Sever's disease. These professionals can assess the individual athlete's unique biomechanics and create a tailored treatment plan. Normally, we find a mechanical reason that this area of their developing body is being “overworked.” Management may include footwear modifications, biomechanical and strength analysis, and loading management to help alleviate pain and promote healing. More than one factor is normally at play in Sever’s, needing a multifaceted approach.

Peak Height Velocity and Growth

Understanding peak height velocity (PHV) is essential in managing Sever's disease. PHV marks the period of rapid growth in a child's life, and it's vital to consider age and gender when dealing with this condition. As girls typically experience PHV earlier than boys, the age brackets for Sever's disease differ.

Balancing Sports and Growth

Young athletes often face external pressures to excel in their chosen sports, which can lead to overtraining and increased risk of injuries like Sever's disease. Striking a balance between participation and growth is crucial to avoid overuse injuries in the apophyseal and physis areas.

Achieving Optimal Recovery

Young athletes dedicated to their sport can maintain their activity level while managing pain through diligent analysis and guidance from a paediatric physiotherapist. Achieving reduced pain and optimal recovery is possible, but it requires commitment and patience.

Conclusion

Sever's disease is a frustrating condition that impacts young athletes physically, psychologically, and socially. Understanding the unique growth patterns in pre-adolescents, the pressures they face, and the importance of assessment and rehabilitation is crucial for managing this condition. Through careful management, young athletes can navigate Sever's disease, improve their biomechanics, ensuring their long-term development and continued enjoyment of sports.

References

Fares, Mohamad. Clinical and Diagnostic Characteristics of Calcaneal Apophysitis: A Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis; Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA) Volume: 113 Issue 4 (2023) ISSN: 8750-7315 Online ISSN: 1930-8264

Nieto-Gil P, Marco-Lledó J, García-Campos J, et al.; Risk factors and associated factors for calcaneal apophysitis (Sever’s disease): a systematic review.; BMJ Open 2023;13:e064903. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064903