“We run a busy practice here in McKinney, Texas, and one of the everyday problems we see in the office is pediatric heel pain,” states, Dr. Eric Silvers, a foot and ankle specialist at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center.   

Most of the time the problem is CALCANEAL APOPHYSITIS or SEVER’S DISEASE.    “It’s not a disease, not even close,” Silvers says.  It is simply an inflammation of the heel bone growth place.   We typically see this problem in active kids between the ages of 8-13 years old.  They often complain of pain during and after activity and parents also notice a limb or a skewed gait as a result.   It is not often associated with redness, bruising or heat, so at times the legitimacy of the complaint may be questioned.   “I can assure you; this is painful.  We often see that the child and parent are frustrated because both want to continue with activity, but the symptoms prevent this from happening,” Silvers adds.   

Treatment is typically tailored to the individual patient that can include rest, change of shoe gear, boot or cast immobilization and anti-inflammatory medications.  The faster that the patient is treated, the faster the pain can be managed.  

To make an appointment with any one of our Residency Trained Foot and Ankle Specialists, please call us at 972-542-2155.  We have offices in McKinney and Prosper, Texas.