Severs
Not essentially a disease, but a repetitious strain injury predominantly in active children 9-14 years old.
Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis) is pain at the back of the heel around the growth plate where bone has not yet fully developed and calcified. The area is aggravated by repetitious actions like running, jumping, side stepping sports such as football, hockey, athletics, basketball, tennis etc.
The cause is the tightening of the Achilles tendon attachment at the calcaneous (heel bone) and can become extremely debilitating if left untreated.
The Heel Clinic’s treatment is to control the position of the heel with a specific prescription Insert to remove the excessive heel motion created whilst running. This is a more advanced and comfortable form of support than standard arch based orthotics that over 20 years the Clinic has found not always successful. Together with increased flexibility in the calf muscles and an icing programme, the ailment usually settles in a few weeks. Easing off sports for a short period is recommended.
The patient may need to wear the inserts during the susceptible years, particularly if they are talented athletes with increased training and competition.
Achilles Tendinosis
Achilles Tendinosis (tendinopathy) is a very common ailment. Predominantly created by overuse strain caused by running, walking or long periods of time on feet.
Pain is identified mostly at the base of Achilles tendon just above the calcaneous (heel bone) and is aggravated by repetitious strain such as running and lateral and medial sports such as football,rugby, hockey, netball etc. It is not always at the insertion point.
The ailment can be a mild irritation to a chronic state if left untreated.
The Heel Clinic treatment is to assess the functional movement (biomechanics) of the feet in the transition from heel strike to propulsion. The standard Achilles treatments are: icing, heat, stretches, rest, changing shoes, acupuncture, anti inflammatories, cortisone, arch supports, heel lifts and orthotics etc. If over a period of time these have been unsuccessful, the Clinic may be able to help.
If the base cause appears on assessment to be functional then the Clinic uses an advanced form of insert to support and control the heel. This method has proven to have more control than standard arch base orthotics as over 20 years, the Clinic’s research proved arch support is not always successful.