Severs Disease
October 2, 2010 by Foot Health
Filed under Uncategorized
Severs disease or Calcaneal apophysitis is a common problem of the heel in youngsters. It is thought to be strain of the growth plate at the back of the calcaneus. Some even consider Severs disease to be similar to a stress fracture of the cartilage. The most common accepted risk factors of Severs disease are a high level of activity; hard sports surfaces; tight calf muscles; and a flat or pronated foot. The combination of the tight calf muscles and the hard grounds pit a lot of strain or load on the growth plate, especially if the child is active in a lot of sport. The classic symptoms of Severs disease are pain on activity at the back of the calcaneus and pain on lateral squeezing at the back of the calcaneus. Severs disease treatment starts with a reduction in the activity levels to a tolerable level until healing has started. ICE and anti-inflammatory medication can help Severs disease if it is particularly painful. A cushioned heel raise is often very important. Foot orthotics can also be helpful in Severs disease if a flat or pronated foot is present. Usually there is not long term consequences of severs disease as by the mid-teens the growth plate merges with the rest of the calcaneus.