Physiotherapy North Sydney: Sever’s – Not That Severe
Does my child have Sever’s?
- Children complain of heel pain that is usually worse after activity
- Pain that lasts more than 1 week
- Noticing them walking on tip toes
What is Sever’s?
Typically it occurs during or immediately following a growth spurt around the ages of 9-14yrs- Sever’s is a condition where the growth plate at the heel is put under strain by the Achilles
- There is no damage occurring at the time but the condition can be quite painful
- Common when there is an increase in weight-bearing activity
- Pain on activity can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months
How do you treat it?
- DON’T STRETCH!!! (Your Physio will tell you when)
- Treatment consists of conservative management initially to reduce inflammation
- Activity modification – reduction of weight-bearing activities for between 2 – 8 weeks
Heel lift /tape/heel cup and/or orthotics as well as appropriate and supportive footwear- Stretches and exercises must be graduated to ensure effective recovery
- Each case of Sever’s is individual and professional PHYSIO4ALL guidance is essential for complete recovery
Speak to our physiotherapists today on advice on Sever’s, or about any concerns. Give us a call on 9922 2212!
Physiotherapy North Sydney: Have You got an Ankle Sprain?
What’s injured?
- The typical structure that is sprained is the ATFL a ligament that holds your outside ankle stable on the rest of the foot
- Other structures can involve ligaments on the inside of the ankle, across the front and intricate ligaments that stabilise the tarsals(small bones) of the foot.
Fractures are possible and can vary from very small fragments of bone, hairline fractures and those requiring a rigid boot and/or surgery- The amount of damage done depends on the number of fibres snapped in the ligaments affected
- Even simple ankle sprains should be thoroughly assessed by PHYSIO4ALL to prevent further injury
How long does it take?
- Every ankle sprain is different, most will heal in 2-4 weeks
- BUT every sprain needs to be properly rehabilitated otherwise repetitive sprains and what feels like a “weak ankle” will ensue
- Most people (not all) that wear strapping or braces just need to go through the correct series of exercises!
How do you fix it?
- Your physiotherapist will firstly assess the ankle, reduce swelling, massage and friction the affected ligaments to break up scar tissue and strap.
- A very strict regime of stretches, strength, co-ordination and balance exercises will be prescribed over the course of the recovery period.
- In most cases both the good and bad ankles will be more stable than before the sprain!!!!!
Speak to our physiotherapists today on advice on how to improve your ankle strength, or about any concerns. Give us a call on 9922 2212!
