What is Sever’s disease?

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain. It is an inflammation of the growth plate commonly seen in young adolescents. It occurs as the bones generally grow faster than the soft tissue therefore causes stress to the Achilles tendon.

Causes

• Large growth spurts
  • Boys 10 to 12 years
  • Girls 9 to 11 years
• Any form of physical exercise that increases weight bearing through the lower limbs
• Running on hard surfaces
• Repetitive overuse

Signs and Symptoms

• Localised pain around the heel/and or Achilles tendon
• Increased pain after physical exercise
• Tenderness and inflammation around the heel
• Calf tightness
• Limping secondary to the pain
• Running and jumping exercises accentuate the heel pain