What is Severs Disease?   by Craig Payne

in Health    (submitted 2011-01-14)

Severs disease is a common problem that occurs in the heel of younger people. At the back of the heel during growth there is a thin plate of cartilage that allows the heel bone to grow. By around ages 13-15 years, this cartilage merges with the rest of the heel bone as growth in the bone stops. Prior to those ages, it is possible to strain the cartilage or surrounding tissues. The area is put under great stress as it is the part of the heel bone that hits the ground first and it also has the pull from the Achilles tendon on it as well. This is more common in those with tight calf muscles and/or those that participate in a lot of sports activity, especially on hard surfaces.

Initially the pain from Severs disease is tolerable, but will eventually lead to limitations in activity levels. The pain is present at the back of the heel bone, initially only during sport, but later the pain persists after sport. The pain can be reproduced by squeezing or palpating the edges of the heel bone at the back.

The first approach to treatment is to reduce activity levels to a level that is tolerable. Ice therapy may be needed after sports activity. A cushioned heel raise is usually needed to help protect and cushion the painful area by providing some shock absorption. As many people with Severs Disease have tight calf muscles, calf muscle stretching is important. If this regime is not helpful, then a further reduction in sports activities is usually needed. Sometimes strapping or tape is used to lessen the pull of the Achilles tendon on the growing area. As a last resort, a total withdrawal from all sports activity is needed and some may need to be put into a walking splint or cast to prevent any activity.

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