Sever’s disease is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. The condition can be exacerbated by activity such as running, playing sports or sometimes as simple as walking. There are many treatments for Sever’s disease, the best by far being rest. However, that is not an option for most 10-15 year old children. One of the things that can be done for Sever’s disease is to get your kids in better shoe gear.
What to look for in a shoe for a child with Sever’s disease:
1. Shock absorption in the heel is is the only quality you need. Sever’s disease is caused by repeated trauma to the heel. The best way to treat it is to get a shoe that absorbs most of the stress forces associated with walking and/or running. There are many shoes or sneakers that accomplish this goal. Below I have listed my favorite shoes for Kids with Sever’s Disease:
Asics Kids Gel Blur– The gel cushioning function helps absorb most of the stress and strain that the heel experiences. Really anything gel will work. But Asics always makes a good sneaker and the ASICS gel is one of the best of the bunch.
Asics Gel Kids Excite– This sneaker utilizes the gel technology but has the bonus of being a running shoe as well. If your child runs cross country or just runs a lot in the backyard this is the sneaker you are looking for.
New Balance 574– These sneakers can be effective for treating Sever’s disease due to the extra EVA cushioning in the shoe, which is removable. Now EVA is the same material that is used in the contruction of orthotics making it ideal for the use in treatment of Sever’s disease. One way to treat Sever’s disease would be to remove the insole and place a heel cup in its place.