Sever’s Disease is a calcaneal apophysitis. This is seen more commonly in boys and between the ages of 10 and 11. However, this condition may also be seen in girls and age ranges anywhere between 8 and 15 depending upon the childs developmental bone growth.

Symptoms usually occur during and after activity. The symptoms usually disappear with rest. The symptoms being mostly pain at the back and bottom of the heel. Some kids will be seen trying to walk on there tiptoes to prevent this pain. There may be seen a mild redness or swelling, although not as typical and should be evaluated for other conditions.

Causes of calcaneal apophysitis is mainly due to a weaker area of bone during this phase of growth. When the achilles tendon or plantar fascia strongly pulls or puts traction forces on this area of the bone, it may become inflammed.

Prevention is difficult as this occurs during a phase of growth that everyone must go through. Rest is the best prevention of the symptoms.

Podiatric Care is mainly supportive as the condition is usually self limiting. Usually as the child fully develops this area of the bone will eventually fuse with the main body of the bone. This may include heel lifts to decrease the traction from the achille’s tendon, or complete nonweightbearing. Stretching exercises for the Achilles and Plantar Fascia are helpful at times as well as heat application before activity and ice after activity. Non-steriodal anti-inflammatories may also be prescribed by your doctor. Treatment can be difficult at this age since they are typically patients who are athletic and enjoy the sport they play. The patient and there parents may not like hearing that they need to rest and quit playing the sport until this condition subsides.