Sever's Disease or Calcaneal Apophysitis Treatment

Treatment options for Sever's Disease, sometimes called Calcaneal Apophysitis written by Dr. Gennady Kolodenker

History
Most common cause of heel pain in the child athlete. The growth center is not yet closed and becomes irritated with overuse or injury. Symptoms are bilateral in about 50-60% of the time.

Symptoms

Bottom of heel pain
Back of heel pain
Pain after running, soccer, track and field, sprinting

Signs

Swelling of the heel
Tenderness at the back of the heel where the achilles tendon inserts into the calcaneus.
Posterior heel pain
Achilles tendinitis or Plantar Fasciitis are not as common in kids.

Tests

Medial to Lateral compression of the heel will cause pain
Pain at the posterior heel with pressure

Treatment

This is an overuse injury and the goal will be to decrease inflammation and modify activities
Stretching the Achilles tendon will also help
Over the counter or custom orthotics can be made to protect the arch and offload the achilles tendon
Simple over the counter heel lifts (about 1/4'') placed in both shoes can also sometimes work

Differential Diagnosis, Other possible problems

Tumor
Infection
Bone Cyst
Osseous Coalition
Leukemia
Juvenile Arthritis
Reiter's

Please contact our Foot and Ankle Sports Medicine and Surgery Clinic in Orange County for further evaluation or questions.