What is Severs?
Sever’s disease (also known as calcaneal apophysitis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing children, especially children who are very physically active. It is an inflammation of the growth plate in the calcaneus (heel).
Sever’s disease is caused by repetitive stress to the heel. It most often occurs during growth spurts, when bones, muscles, tendons, and other structures are changing rapidly.
Sever’s disease affects the part of the growth plate at the back of the heel. This growth area serves as the attachment point for the Achilles tendon — the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles at the back of the leg to the heel bone. Typically, the tendon does not grow as fast as the bones in teenagers and this puts additional stress on that Achilles – Growth plate joint.
FixMe Collagen will give you those specific amino acids that will help tendon growth.
Exercises
Stretching and evening massaging the calf muscle will reduce the overall stress on the Achiles and thus on that growth plate joint.
Standing with your toes on the edge of a step an slowly lowering your bodyweight onto them is another great way to stretch that calf – heel interface.
Why do so many NZ Kids have Severs?
- Modern diets don’t have the same protein profile as those of our human ancestors, or even our parents. We’re just not gnawing on bones or chewing on fat and gristle. Many protein sources today are overly processed, and when we do eat red or white meat, it tends to be the ‘cleanest’ cuts.
- Collagen synthesis in the body requires an adequate supply of Vitamin C. Many kids tend to drop off consumption of fruit and vegetables in their teens.
- Sport is engrained in New Zealand culture. Most kids play sport of one form or another. Many kids won’t develop Severs if they are not playing regular sport.
- Many grass-based sports in New Zealand are played on firmer / harder ground than other parts of the world. Netball has long been a staple and Basketball is on the rise in NZ too. Hard courts and firm ground can exacerbate the stress on those high-tension zones.