What is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease, also know as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common source of heel pain in young, growing athletes. The most common symptoms are pain or tenderness in one or both heels, discomfort when the heel is squeezed, and more severe pain when walking, running, jumping, or playing sports.
The pain associated with Sever’s disease is typically localized to the side and back of the heel bone, though there may sometimes be pain at the bottom of the heel. In severe cases, Sever’s disease can result in limping.
Sever’s disease is caused by irritation of the bony growth plate at the back of the heel bone, and is directly related to overuse of the bone and tendons in the heel. Sever’s disease occurs in children ages 7-15, though it is most common in 10-14 year olds. Overuse can come from participation in sports (e.g., soccer, basketball, or football) or any other activity that involves a lot of heel movement.
Sever’s disease is sometimes associated with starting a new sport, or the start of a new season.
Treatment of Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is “self-recovering,” meaning that it will go away on its own when activity subsides, or when the heel bone is done growing. Symptoms generally subside within two to eight weeks after activity levels are reduced, though Sever’s disease can recur following an increase in activity, such as at the start of the next sports season.
Possible treatments include elevation of the heel, regular stretching of the hamstring and calf muscles, following the R.I.C.E. regimen, and the use of foot orthotics. In severe cases, a cast or medication might be necessary. Seek the advice of a trained medical professional.
Alphabetical Index of Injuries:
» Achilles Tendon Rupture» Achilles Tendonitis
» Calf Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Concussion
» Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
» Dislocated Shoulder
» Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
» Groin Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Hamstring Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Heel Spurs (Bone Spurs)
» High Ankle Sprain (Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain)
» Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
» Little League Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
» Plantar Fasciitis
» Runner’s Knee (Chondromalacia Patellae)
» Separated Shoulder
» Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
» Shin Splints
» Sprained AC Joint
» Sprained Ankle
» Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
» Torn Rotator Cuff
» Turf Toe (Metatarsalphalangeal Joint Sprain)