Sever's disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is the most frequent cause of heel pain in children between the ages of 8 and 13 and is due to an inflammation of growing plates, of the calcaneus in the back of the foot, due to the rapid growth of bone when compared to the calceneal tendon (otherwise known as the Achilles tendon).
It is named for JW Sever, who characterized it in 1912.[1]
Symptoms
Complaints of pain or tenderness in the heel (or heels)
Discomfort upon awaking, or when heel is squeezed
Limping
More severe pain after walking and more difficulty walking
Pain during running or playing sports
Cause
Sever’s disease is directly related to overuse of the bone and tendons in the heel. This can come from playing sports (i.e. football, basketball, lacrosse) or anything that involves lots of heel movements. It can be associated with starting a new sport, or the start of a new season.[2] Too much weight bearing down on the heel can also cause it as can excessive traction since the bones and tendons are still developing.
Treatment
Treatment may consist of one or more of the following:
Stopping sports or other activities that aggravate the condition.
Elevating the heel
Stretching hamstring and calf muscles 2-3 times daily
In some cases, casting may be necessary
Using R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)[3]
Stretching exercises
HTP Heel seats
In some cases medication may be needed (ask doctor)
Recovery
Sever’s disease is self-recovering, meaning that it will go away on its own when it is used less or when the bone is through growing. The condition is not expected to create any long-term disability, and expected to subside in 2-8 weeks.[3]
However, while the disease does subside quickly, it can recur, for example at the start of a new sports season, several times if it is not taken care of.
Prevention
Maintain good flexibility through stretching exercises
Avoid excessive running on hard surfaces
Use quality, well-fitting shoes with firm support and a shock-absorbent sole
^ Sever JW: Apophysitis of the Os Calcis. New York Medical Journal 1912; 95: 1025-1029.
^ Hendrix CL (2005). "Calcaneal apophysitis (Sever disease)". Clinics in podiatric medicine and surgery22 (1): 55-62, vi. doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2004.08.011. PMID 15555843.
^ ab Madden CC, Mellion MB (1996). "Sever's disease and other causes of heel pain in adolescents". American family physician54 (6): 1995-2000. PMID 8900359.
v•d•e
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M, 710-739)