Definition – What are growth pains in the foot?
Growth pains are a very spongy defined clinical picture. They occur in children who are still growing. Typically, it sets in suddenly at night and wakes up the child.
Most growth pains are found in the legs. The knees and thighs are most affected. However, growth pains in the foot can also occur. Often the main pain in growth pain in the foot is located in the ankle joint. Another characteristic feature is that the growth pain usually occurs on both sides.
Causes of growth pain in the foot
Just like an exact definition of the clinical picture “growth pain in the foot”, the scientific proof of causes is missing. Therefore, up to now only speculations about the origin of the disease and the pain can be made. The theories include short-term malpositions and, above all, muscular malpositions resulting from a somewhat uneven bone growth.
It is also suspected that the cause is joint hypermobility, since the stabilizing ligamentous apparatus sometimes grows faster than the muscles and bones belonging to the joint. As a result, many children experience more rapid fatigue of the lower legs and feet. Growth pain is assumed to occur when the pain of the child is not caused by a disease and the child is in the growth phase.
Therefore, a detailed diagnosis is essential in order to rule out possible diseases and to differentiate growth pains from these. Can growth pain also signal a growth disorder? You can find more information about this question and much more under Growth disorderThe apophysis calcanei is the name given to the place on the heel bone (Os calcaneum) where the Achilles tendon is attached.
This area is subject to great stress, especially in growing children. The strain is intensified by physical activity, which is why children and young people who are active in sports are most frequently affected by the disease. The excessive strain can cause the tendon attachment to become soft.
Typically, the symptoms occur mainly immediately after the strain and become noticeable by a sensitivity to pressure at the site. More rarely, inflammatory processes on the apophysis also occur. This leads to pain, swelling, redness, overheating and reduced functionality of the Achilles tendon and thus also of the calf muscle, which is attached to the foot via this tendon.
Also characteristic is a worsening of the pain when running. The therapy of apophysitis calcanei consists of the administration of painkillers and cooling of the affected heel. In addition, sport should be avoided for about four to six weeks.
Those who still do not notice a sufficient improvement in their symptoms can wear a heel wedge in addition. This tilts the foot forward slightly and relieves the Achilles tendon. Apophysitis calcanei usually first appears on one foot, but can quickly cause problems on the other foot as well.
Taking it easy on the first affected foot and the resulting additional load on the other foot can lead to the same symptoms. An ultrasound of the Achilles tendon is usually sufficient for a detailed diagnosis. With the help of the following article, you can take a closer look at the disease: Apophysitis calcaneiThe disease Morbus Köhler I describes a necrosis (i.e. death) of parts of the scaphoid bone of the foot.
Due to small vascular occlusions, the bone is not permanently supplied with sufficient blood and thus with nutrients. As a result, some of the cells die. Due to its inconspicuous symptoms, the disease is often only discovered when the first consequential damage, such as incipient arthrosis of the tarsal bones, has already occurred.
Typically, Morbus Köhler I affects boys between the ages of three and eight years. How dangerous is Köhler’s disease? Like Köhler’s disease I, Köhler’s disease II is a tissue loss of tarsal bone.
In contrast to Köhler’s disease I, however, the metatarsals are affected. The cause is small vascular occlusions, which lead to a reduced supply of bone. While type I occurs more frequently in boys, Köhler’s disease II is typically found in young girls.
