Maria presented to us 3 months ago with severe right foot pain that she has been suffering with for years. She was unable to work, exercise or participate in any activities requiring prolonged standing. Surgical intervention featured an isolated STJ (subtalar joint) fusion with a tibial autograft harvest to stimulate healing the fusion site. Today marks the first day in many years she is able to walk with zero pain or discomfort.
This pediatric condition also known as “calcaneal apophysitis” is commonly seen in our office featuring moderate grade heel pain which is exacerbated by physical activity. This condition is simply inflammation of the open growth plate seen on the featured X-ray. Treatment is typically successful with a reduction in activity, offloading heel cup and NSAIDs. In more severe cases a fracture boot is used until symptoms subside. Sever’s disease does have tendency to recur, however will not return once the child becomes skeletally mature around 13-15 years of age.
