Jenny Strickland, a physiologist at Greenwich University, is a leading voice on Osgood-Schlatters Disease research. Strickland founded the Strickland Protocol for treatment of Osgood-Schlatters and Sever’s Disease. The Strickland Protocol has been selected by major UK football academies as their treatment of choice for those contending with Osgood-Schlatters and Sever’s disease. According to PR Underground, these diseases have affected—and been treated—in four thousand young children globally.

Sever’s disease is common in children and young athletes. If your child has Severs Disease, contact one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors can diagnose provide treatment and healing for the feet.  

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms
Acute pain – pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
Improper pronation – the rolling of the foot during walking or running and obesity are all linked to causing Sever’s disease.

Treatments
Rest – the feet and legs needs rest. In order to speed up any kind of healing time, one should refrain from sports activity.
Medication- over the counter meds will help with inflammation and also reduce heel pain.
One can also purchase shoe inserts which will help support the heel and foot. Heel pain usually diminishes after wearing the supported heel inserts.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all of your foot ankle injuries.

Learn more about Sever’s Disease here.