Personal Narrative: Calcaneal Apophysitis

I first developed calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever’s Disease, in 2011. Sever’s is the inflammation of the growth plate in the heel and surrounding tendons, typically occurring during adolescence. My heel originally became inflamed as a result of intense travel soccer. The first time it started to hurt, I was only ten. I was devastated when I learned I couldn’t play soccer. It was my first time with a serious injury and being unable to do the activities I loved because of a physical limitation. I felt alone and isolated from my friends, team, and family, just because I couldn’t physically do what I had done before. Additionally, I was frustrated with my body, and I felt like it had let me down.
My injury led me to realize that life is delicate. Before, like other young people, I believed that I would be healthy and strong as long as I was young. However, this understanding was quite wrong. People no matter their age, gender, previous health, or any other characteristic can become hurt or ill. My injury influenced me to become more empathetic. I gained experiences of isolation and sadness due to my injury that I’m now able to relate to other people, especially those with injuries, sickness, disabilities, and mobility issues. I understand what it …show more content…
I would switch my feet from bowls of freezing ice water to bowls of scalding hot water for minutes at a time. I stretched, did my prescribed exercises, and wore my orthotics and night foot brace all the time. Even when I wanted to give up on trying to make my heels, I kept to trying. It seems to have paid off since my heels are feeling great lately. My heightened sense of mortality led me to always ask for what I want and need. I learned not to be afraid of the vulnerability of asking questions. I now ask waiters if they have something I want without fear and embarrassment. When I am confused in school, I am no longer afraid to show it and I ask many