Sever’s Disease
(4 discussions)
My son is 12 and has suffered from Sever’s Disease since he was 8.
After basketball season, the pain is slight to moderate.
Once basketball starts up again, he is in SEVERE pain.
We have seen 3 physicians and have iced, stretched, strengthened, and used 3 kinds of heel lifts, but to no avail.
We recently tried Aleve twice a day just to get him through basketball season.
After 2 weeks, we’ve seen no pain relief at all.
He should be getting orthotics any day now, so we’re hoping it will help some (he has overpronation – nobody mentioned orthotics until recently).
We’re thinking of making him quit basketball.
Any suggestions?
4 comments
Tammy
Ooops! Sorry! I accidentally posted my post followup in the wrong spot. Please find it under the followups to my original question. THANK YOU for you time!
Vivian Abrams DPM
As a mother and a doctor, after listening to what you said, I would ask you directly why you have not rested him from all athletic activity? Many folks think their child must be involved in multiple sports, often at the same time or they will miss something. I disagree when the child’s health is at stake. While orthotics may certainly be indicated and help,there is no substitute for rest. As you can imagine this does not make me popular with coaches.
Tammy
He took a 10 month break and then tried basketball again, which didn’t work. He then had two separate 9-month breaks. Each time, it improved GREATLY. In fact, it pretty much went away. As soon as he tried to play again, it immediatley flared back up. He did quit playing soccer altogether. This has been from age 8-12. That’s a long time to keep a boy from doing what he loves best, although I do limit it the best that I can. Do you commonly see children with this who need to eliminate sports for such a long time frame? Thank you!
Vivian Abrams DPM
The large majority of patients with this do well with entry level treatments. Some can actually have a fracture of the growth plate. On occasion, I have had to cast the patient. I have taken more than one out of sports for as long as it took.