Sever’s disease is a common heel injury among children caused by swelling in the growth plate of the heel bone. During early adolescence, bones often grow faster than muscles or tendons. While the heel bone grows slowly, the muscles and tendons attached to it can become tight and make the heel area less flexible. These tight heel tendons can put too much pressure on the back of the heel during weight-bearing exercises like running or jumping, thus injuring the heel and causing Sever’s disease. Symptoms of this condition include heel pain that may increase with physical activity, redness and swelling in the heel area, and difficulty walking or putting weight on the heels. If your child complains of foot or heel pain it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist right away, and this will help to prevent any further complications. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Howard Waxman, DPM from Pleasant Valley Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Willoughby Hills and Broadview Heights, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.