Severs Disease

In children the most common complaint is Severs Disease, an inflammatory condition arising from the growth plate. Please be assured, this is not a disease but rather a common heel complaint which occurs in children and adolescents. It may also be called Calcaneal Apophysitis, which is a better description, meaning inflammation (swelling) of the growth plate in the heel.

A growth plate, also called an epiphyseal plate, is an area at the end of a developing bone where cartilage cells change over time into bone cells. It is sensitive to overuse. It usually occurs during the growth spurt of adolescence. While the problem is common, you should have your children properly assessed and diagnosed to ensure there is not another problem causing the heel pain and allow your podiatrist a provide some simple treatment options to allow your child to continue to participate in their sporting activities with no pain.