Severs disease or Calcaneal apophysitis is a common problem in the heels of youngsters up to the age of 14-16 years. Severs Disease has been conceptualized as being similar to a stress fracture of the growth plate of the calcaneus. The cause of Severs disease is considered to be overuse. The plantar aspect of the growth plate is part of the weight bearing part of the calcaneus and the Achilles tendon is inserted into the posterior part of the calcaneus. Not surprisingly the two main risk factors for Servers disease are consider hard surfaces and tight calf muscles as both will increase the load on the growth plate.

The primary symptoms are pain on weight bearing, especially playing sport on hard surfaces. There is usually pain on lateral compression of the psoterior part of the calcaneus where teh growth plate is,

Treatment usually starts with a reduction in the sports participation levels and the use of ice to reduce the pain after sport. Stretching for the calf muscle are important as well as a cushioned heel raise to reduce the strain on the growth plate. Sometime foot orthotics can be used to correct any foot alignment problems that may be a factor. The growth place closes at up to age 15-16, so the condition is self limiting, but can be managed prior to then.

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