Severs Disease of the Heel

Severs disease is a common problem of the heel in youngster that exercise a lot, especially on hard surfaces and often also have tight calf muscles. It is almost the only problem that happens in the heel bone in youngsters. Severs disease is considered a strain or even a stress fracture of the growth plate at the back of the heel bone. The area that is hurt is the part of the heel that hits the ground first in heel strike running and is also the part of the heel that the Achilles tendon attaches to. For these reasons the growth plate at the back of the heel bone is put under considerable strain, especially in active children. The classic symptoms of Severs disease is pain at the back of the heel bone on activity and pain on squeezing the back of the heel bone on the sides. Severs disease treatment is generally straight forward and needs a reduction in activity that is causing the symptoms and also the use of a heel raise. A good pair of running shoes to cushion the heel is extremely important. Calf muscles stretches should also be used and often foot orthotics are help to improve any problems with the biomechanics of the foot. Around about the mid-teens, the growth plate merges with the rest of the heel bone and this can no longer be a problem.

Tagged as: running injury