Sever's disease is a painful inflammation of the calcaneal apophysis made worse with activity.
It is thought to be caused by repetitive trauma to the weaker structure of the apophysis, induced by the pull of the Achilles tendon on its insertion.
It occurs most frequently in active 10- to 12-year-old boys.
The pain can limit performance and participation, and if left untreated, the pain can significantly limit even simple activities of daily life.
Xrays are useful in ruling out other causes of heel pain like fracture or rare tumor but are not diagnostic or prognostic.
Treatment consist of rest, nsaids, wearing a half-inch inner-shoe heel lift (at all times during ambulation), a monitored stretching program, and presport and postsport icing. (rarely casting)
Sever disease is a self-limited condition and will resolve after the growth plate fuses.
