Severs Disease

What is Severs Disease?

Severs Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis) is the inflammation of the heel's growth plate due to muscle strain and repetitive stress. This condition is a common cause of heel pain in children between the ages of 8 – 14 years old, and especially in children who are active.

Signs and Symptoms

Discomfort in this condition is characterised by pain and tenderness in the back and bottom of the heel.  Pain is often felt during and after increased levels of activity.

Cause

As children grow quickly (often due to growth spurts) the growth plate in the heel is put under increased tension and stress, this happens because bones can sometimes grow quicker than muscles. In addition to this tension, increased activity, poor foot function and excessive weight can all exacerbate the injury.

Treatment

Treatment options reduce stress on the heel and growth plate. This can be achieved in the following ways:

• Reduce activity
• Icing
• Heel Raisers
• Stretches
• Footwear advice
• Orthotics