A. <16-year-old – Sever’s disease
Intro: Sever’s disease involves irritation of the growth plate on the backside of the heel bone. This is often a due to overuse especially in young athletes.
Symptoms: Pain on the back of heel bone especially on activity use.
Treatment: Rest, ice, activity modification, physical therapy especially stretching the Achilles tendon, or use of heel cups/pads. Symptoms typically resolve once growth plate closes.
B. >18-year-old – Achilles tendonitis
Intro: Achilles tendonitis involves irritation of the Achilles tendon, which attaches the calf muscle onto the heel bone. Overuse or a tight tendon are common contributors to this condition.
Symptoms: Pain on the back of heel bone especially on activity use.
Treatment: Rest, ice, activity/shoe modification, physical therapy especially stretching the Achilles tendon, or use of heel cups/pads. Regenerative treatment such as plasma rich platelet (PRP) injection, which promotes healing of the tendon is sometimes considered for this condition. Operative modalities are considered in refractory cases.
Night Splint
The night splint is a device worn for the foot overnight to help alleviate symptoms of Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis by stretching the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia.
