Sever’s Disease describes when a child undergoing a growth spurt develops serious heel pain. It is common with boys between the ages of 10 to 15 and with girls between the ages of 8 to 13. This occurs because during a child’s growth spurt, the heel bone outgrows all of the muscles, tendons and ligaments within the leg. Since these parts of the leg are unable to catch up to the growth pace of the heel bone, they can become stretched too tightly. If this happens to a child that is very active, it can cause extra strain to the already overstretched tendons in the leg and lead to intense swelling and pain. Some symptoms of Sever’s Disease include trouble walking, running with a limp, tightness and tenderness in the backs of the heels and heel pain that increases after running or jumping. Although Sever’s disease can last up to a couple months, it presents no long term foot problems and the simplest treatment for it is rest. It is important for the child not to participate in physical activities until the heel is back to being pain-free. If your child exhibits any signs of Sever’s Disease, it is recommended that you take them to see a podiatrist. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Mark Gagnon from Advanced 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 Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.