Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common heel condition that affects children and adolescents during periods of rapid growth. Despite its name, Sever’s disease is not actually a disease, but rather an overuse injury that occurs at the growth plate in the heel bone (calcaneus). It is most commonly seen in active children between the ages of 8 and 14 years, who are involved in sports or physical activities that involve repetitive impact on the heel, such as running, jumping, and playing sports like soccer or basketball

Causes

The exact cause of Sever’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from repetitive stress and tension on the growth plate in the heel. During growth spurts, the bones in the body grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, which can create tension at the growth plate. This tension can cause inflammation, pain, and swelling in the heel.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease typically include pain and tenderness in the heel, especially during physical activity or when pressure is applied to the area.

Treatment

Treatment for Sever’s disease is usually conservative and focuses on relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Some common treatment options include rest, ice, supportive footwear, stretching and strengthening, orthotic devices, pain medications, physiotherapy.
However, it may take several months or even up to a year for symptoms to fully resolve. It is important to seek medical attention if your child is experiencing persistent or worsening heel pain to ensure proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.