What is Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
Sever’s disease is a common condition which is sometimes referred to as ‘growing pains’ and affects the growth plate in the heel. The growth plate in children is made up of cartilage which forms into bone as we age. Despite its name, severs disease is actually an injury and not a disease and whilst it is painful and can need treatment, it is something that children will outgrow in time.
Why have I got Sever’s Disease
Severs disease is most common in children between the ages of 7-14 with boys being more likely to develop this condition. The main causes of the condition are:
- Frequent participation in lots of sports, especially those which involve running, jumping and high impact activities such as netball, volleyball, basketball and gymnastics
- Recent growth spurt
- Footwear that is either not appropriate for the sporting activity or which does not provide appropriate support
How can you treat Sever’s Disease?
Whilst Sever’s disease is something that children grow out of eventually, and individual episodes may also appear to settle down, if left untreated this can reoccur.
Treatment includes:
- Exercise to release muscle tension
- Calf stretches
- Ice treatment
- Heel lifts
- Spacing of sports activity
- Use of orthotics in more acute cases
