Inflammation of the growth zone of the heel bone

Anatomy: The calf muscle (M Gastrocnemicus) is comprised of two muscle heads which gather in a wide tendinous ligament and continue in to the Achilles tendon. Another of the larger calf muscles (M Soleus) is attached to the front side of the Achilles tendon and thus forms a part of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles is attached to the heel bone (calcaneus) where a growth zone is found in children represents the weakest area of the Achilles tendon and calf muscle in non-adult persons.

Symptoms: Pain when activating the Achilles tendon (running and jumping) and with stretching of the tendon. Tenderness is experienced when applying pressure at the rear of the heel bone.

Examination: Medical examination is not necessarily required in slight, early cases where the tenderness is slowly increasing without sudden worsening. In all cases when there is a sense of a “crack”, or sudden shooting pains in the Achilles tendon, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible to exclude a (partial) rupture of the Achilles tendon. This situation is best determined by use of ultrasound scanning. A medical examination is usually sufficient in order to make the diagnosis, however, in all cases where satisfactory progress is not in evidence, an ultrasound examination should be performed. Ultrasound scanning enables an evaluation of the extent of the change in the tendon; inflammation of the tendon (tendinitis), development of cicatricial tissue (tendinosis), calcification, inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tendon (peritendinitis), inflammation of the bursa (bursitis), as well as (partial) rupture and fraying of the bone membrane, as is often the case in children with inflammation at the point of attachment of the Achilles tendon at the growth zone on the heel bone (Photo) (article).

Treatment: Treatment is primarily comprised of relief from the painful activity (running, jumping). If the treatment is commenced early, the injury can in some cases heal within a few weeks. When the pain has subsided, the sports activity can be resumed preceded by stretching of the calf muscle (article). It is naturally crucial that footwear is in good condition (good running shoes with shock absorbing heel and close fitting heel cap). Pressure on the Achilles tendon can be relieved by using shoes with an elevated heel, whilst a heel cushion in the shoe is of less significance since the heightening achieved by this method is greatly limited. If experiencing tenderness at the point of attachment of the Achilles tendon during the rehabilitation period, treatment with ice for a period of at least 20 minutes is recommended. To relieve pronounced pain whilst walking, medicinal treatment in the form of rheumatic medicine (NSAID) (gel or crème) can be considered but is seldom indicated. Medicine must not be (mis)used in order to continue the sports activity. Injection of corticosteroid is not appropriate in the course of treatment (article). When a person reaches a state of being fully grown, the growth zone at the heel bone is closed and the problems disappear.

Complications: If there is not a steady improvement in the condition a medical examination should be performed to exclude:

• inflammation of the Achilles tendon
• (partial) rupture of the Achilles tendon
• inflammation of the bursa
• rupture of the Soleus muscle
• heel pad syndrome