Sever's Disease

Did You Know

This is the most common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who are more active and sporty.

What Is Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease also known as Calcaneal Apophysitis is inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. This condition affects growing youngster, most commonly between the ages of 10 and 14 which are usually sporty and active. Despite the name, this condition isn’t actually a disease. This condition is actually classed as a osteochondrosis.

Anatomy

Within a growing calcaneus (heel bone) there is an active growth plate. This growth plate is located in towards the back of the heel bone, very close to where the Achilles tendon attaches. Pain usually occurs in this area when the growth plate becomes inflamed and irritated. This condition can not affect adults due to the fact that the growth plate becomes replace by solid bone as we finish developing.

Symptoms

Youngsters suffering with Sever’s can complain of a number of different symptoms but there are a few that are most common:

• Pain in the heels after activity – often linked to a short period of rest such as a half time break or a drive home from a game or practice.

• Increased discomfort in flatter footwear for example, rugby/football boots as opposed to trainers

• Reluctance to land on heels during sport (tip toe running)

• Reduced ability to push off from the foot/feet.

What Causes Sever’s Disease?

There are usually multiple factors that contribute to the onset of calcaneal apophysitis, here is a list of the most common contributors to this condition:

How To Treat Sever’s Disease

As with any condition it is always advised that an accurate diagnosis is obtained. We would recommend booking in with one of our experienced HCPC registered MSK podiatrists who can diagnose and implement the perfect treatment plan for this condition. Things to consider: