Short illness (apophystis calcaneus)

Feet | Orthopaedics | Short illness (apophystis calcaneus) (Disease)


Description

Severe disease or calcaneal apophasis is a painful inflammation of the heel, which occurs during the growing period. Most children who suffer from this disease are aged between 10 and 14 years. Severe disease is manifested by inflammation and growth plateau, which is mostly common during the rapid growth of puberty.

Pain and tenderness in the heel are the first and most important symptoms of calcaneal apophysis. Pain may extend through both sides of the heel and may also include base. Other common symptoms: swelling and redness of the heel; difficulty on walking; discomfort when you wake up in the legs; discomfort when the heel is pressed on both sides; unusual course, which limits the pressure being put on the heel. The disease can affect one or both heels, and symptoms worsen during periods of physical exertion and fade after legs are rested.

Causes and Risk factors

Girls can be affected between the ages of 8 and 13 years, while boys more often suffering from this disease, are vulnerable between the ages of 10 and 14 years. Calcaneal apophysis no longer occur after age 15, when areas of the heel bone fuse the bones of the foot is complete. The calcaneus bone (heel bone) develops later, replacing cartilage in the heel. Bone may still grow faster than muscles and tendons around, which reduces flexibility and creates tension heel. When the Achilles tendon attaches to the plateau of growth, physical activity can cause additional tension in the heel, which leads to pain and swelling. Sport and running and jumping activities which are factors that contribute most to the development of severe disease.

This condition may occur but after standing for long periods. The factors which are helping this disease to exist are: the foot syndrome; development too arched foot arch; wearing shoes that are not on the correct size; situation in which one leg is shorter than the other, causing additional pressure on the Achilles tendon in foot shorter; obesity, because extra weight increases the pressure that supports the growth plateau.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Therapy begins with limiting physical activity to rest the area. Ice may also help in the initial treatment phase. Ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms. Supportive shoes are recommended. Orthotics may be useful in those children with flat feet or very high arches. ...