Treatment

The most important aspect of management is to reassure sufferers that the condition will be self limiting. When adolescents stop growing (approximately 16 years boys, 14 years girls) the apophysis disappears and symptoms will resolve. However, pain can be recurrent until this time.

Initial management is rest. Patients should stop sport for 4-6 weeks. Cushioned heel pads (sorbathane) will act as shock absorbers and reduce stress on the heel. Physiotherapy is usefull to reduce tension in the Achilles tendon, and therapists will advise on specific warm up and warm down exercise that should be undertaken as part of any return to sport programme.

There is no role for surgery in this condition but in difficult cases a short period in a walking cast may help reduce inflammation.