What is Sever’s disease?

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in children and adolescents, particularly those who are active in sports. It’s also known as calcaneal apophysitis.

What is Sever’s disease?

Sever’s disease is a condition that causes heel pain in growing children. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed and painful. Growth plates are areas of cartilage at the ends of bones where growth occurs. They are weaker than solid bone and are more susceptible to injury.

Sever’s disease most often affects children between the ages of 8 and 14, during their growth spurts. Girls tend to get it a little earlier than boys. It’s more common in children who participate in sports that involve a lot of running or jumping, such as basketball, soccer, and gymnastics.

Causes

Sever’s disease is caused by repetitive stress on the growth plate at the heel bone. This can happen when children participate in activities that put a lot of stress on their heels, such as running and jumping. It can also be caused by tight calf muscles, which pull on the growth plate.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of Sever’s disease is pain in the back of the heel. The pain may get worse during or after activity, and it may be tender to the touch. Other symptoms can include:

• Limping
• Walking on tiptoes
• Heel stiffness, especially in the morning

Diagnosis

Your child’s doctor will diagnose Sever’s disease by asking about their symptoms and examining their heel. They may also order an X-ray to rule out other causes of heel pain, such as a fracture.

Treatment

The main treatment for Sever’s disease is rest. Your child will need to avoid activities that cause heel pain until the inflammation goes away. Other treatments may include:

• Ice: Apply ice packs to the heel for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Stretching: Stretching the calf muscles can help take pressure off the heel.
• Supportive shoes: Wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help reduce stress on the heel.
• Heel cups or orthotics: These can provide extra cushioning and support for the heel.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach your child exercises to stretch and strengthen their calf muscles and improve flexibility.

How long does it take to recover from Sever’s disease?

With rest and treatment, most children recover from Sever’s disease within a few weeks or months. However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and not return to activity too soon, as this can cause the pain to return.

How can Sever’s disease be prevented?

There are several things you can do to help prevent Sever’s disease in your child:

• Make sure they wear shoes that fit well and have good arch support.
• Encourage them to stretch their calf muscles regularly.
• Limit the amount of time they spend doing activities that put a lot of stress on their heels.
• Make sure they warm up before participating in sports or other activities.