Sever’s disease (also known as 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.
Sever’s disease is also called calcaneal apophysitis, although it is not a true “disease.” It is the most common cause of heel pain in children and 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.
Overuse and stress on the heel bone through participation in sports is 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 of calcaneal apophysitis may include:
To diagnose the cause of the child’s heel pain and rule out other more serious conditions, our podiatrists obtain a thorough medical history and asks questions about recent activities. They will also examine the child's foot and leg. X-rays are often used to evaluate the condition. Other advanced imaging studies and laboratory tests may also be ordered.
Our team may select one or more of the following options to treat calcaneal apophysitis:
Often heel pain in children returns after it has been treated because the heel bone is still growing. Recurrence of heel pain may be a sign of calcaneal apophysitis, or it may indicate a different problem. If your child has a repeat bout of heel pain, be sure to make an appointment with us.
The chances of a child developing heel pain can be reduced by:
At Peninsula Podiatry, we offer a full range of treatment options for Sever’s disease. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call (360) 228-2423.
