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Sever's Disease

Sever’s Disease: All You Need to Know

What is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease is a common condition that affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. It is caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone, which can lead to pain, swelling, and tenderness in the heel.

Sever's disease is most common in children who are physically active, and it is often associated with sports that involve running and jumping, such as basketball, soccer, and track and field.

What are the Symptoms of Sever’s Disease?

The most common symptom of Sever’s disease is heel pain. The pain is typically worse after activity and may improve with rest.

Other symptoms of Sever’s disease may include:

• Swelling in the heel
• Tenderness to the touch
• Difficulty walking or running
• Limping

What Causes Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease is caused by overuse of the growth plate in the heel bone. This can happen when children are physically active, especially if they are participating in sports that involve running and jumping.

Other factors that may contribute to Sever’s disease include:

• Obesity
• Flat feet
• High arches
• Improper footwear

How is Sever’s Disease Diagnosed?

Sever’s disease is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination and the child’s symptoms.

In some cases, an X-ray may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as a stress fracture.

How is Sever’s Disease Treated?

Treatment for Sever’s disease typically involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Other treatments that may be helpful include:

• Stretching exercises
• Heel cups or inserts
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy

In most cases, Sever’s disease will resolve with treatment within a few months.

How Can Sever’s Disease Be Prevented?

There is no sure way to prevent Sever’s disease, but there are some things that parents can do to reduce their child’s risk of developing the condition.

These include:

• Encouraging children to warm up before exercising and cool down afterward
• Making sure children wear proper footwear that fits well and provides good support
• Limiting the amount of time children spend on their feet
• Maintaining a healthy weight