SEVER'S DISEASE

Dr. Levick will create a customized treatment plan for Sever's disease, a common cause of heel pain in children, to get your child back to sports in ample time.

What is Sever's Disease?

Calcaneal apophysitis is a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. It typically affects children between the ages of 8 and 14 years old, because the heel bone (calcaneus) is not fully developed until at least age 14. Until then, new bone is forming at the growth plate (physis), a weak area located at the back of the heel. When there is too much repetitive stress on the growth plate, inflammation can develop.



Calcaneal apophysitis is also called Sever’s disease, although it is not a true disease. It is the most common cause of heel pain in children, and it can occur in one or both feet. Heel pain in children differs from the most common type of heel pain experienced by adults. While heel pain in adults usually subsides after a period of walking, pediatric heel pain generally doesn’t improve in this manner. In fact, walking typically makes the pain worse.

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Causes

Overuse and stress on the heel bone through participation in sports are a major cause of calcaneal apophysitis. The heel’s growth plate is sensitive to repeated running and pounding on hard surfaces, resulting in muscle strain and inflamed tissue. For this reason, children and adolescents involved in soccer, track or basketball are especially vulnerable. Other potential causes of calcaneal apophysitis include obesity, a tight Achilles tendon and biomechanical problems, such as flatfoot or a high-arched foot.

Symptoms

Symptoms of calcaneal apophysitis may include:

  • Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
  • Limping
  • Walking on toes
  • Difficulty running, jumping or participating in usual activities or sports
  • Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed
  • Tiredness

Effective Treatment for Calcaneal Apophysitis

Get your child back to pain-free activity with targeted treatment for heel inflammation and sports-related stress injuries.

Dr. Levick’s clear 4-week plan can eliminate the pain. She will have your child back to sports within 6-8 weeks depending on severity. 

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Levick Foot and Ankle Institute