Severs Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)

Severs Disease is by far the most common growth plate disturbance.

It presents mostly in boys aged 10-14, particularly those who play football and rugby.

The calcaneal bone has a growth plate consisting of cartilaginous material where the Achilles’ tendon attaches. This area is particularly sensitive to trauma and Biomechanical stress.

When your child complains of limping off the pitch during a game , or not being able to put their heel down, discomfort in the mornings getting out of bed or after long walks , they may have inflammed or disturbed the growth plate.

Isolated incidents like jumping down from a height and landing on the heel can set off a disturbance to the fragile growth plate.
Biomechanical problems like excess pronation or flat feet and create traction of the Achilles’ tendon on the growth plate leading to a disturbance.

Here at Footmech we are able to identify the unique reasons behind the creation of the heel pain.

In addition to gauging the severity and the approach to allowing it to get better. Ideally one has to deal with this condition earlier rather than later as it can progress to the point where immobilisation is necessary to assist healing .

The general rule however is, that the condition is self limiting . When the foot becomes fully grown and the growth plate fuses the pain can spontaneously disappear.

It is however wise to have the feet checked to find the source of the forces behind the condition.

Treatment depends on the source of functional cause.

• Flexibility issues, excess pronation
• Postural anomalies can contribute and the management depends on the priority
• Fascia Manipulation, joint mobilisation, orthotics and FMS (functional movement screen) are useful tools in assisting the functional cause