Sever’s disease (also known as calcaneal apophysitis) is a term used to describe pain in the heel at the base of the Achilles tendon. It usually occurs during or after a growth spurt in adolescence most commonly between the ages of 8-13 in girls and 10-15 for boys. Sever’s disease is more prevalent in children who are physically active.
Those with Sever’s disease commonly experience pain during or after sports that involve running and jumping, especially those that take place on hard surfaces.
During the growth spurt of early puberty, the bones often grow faster than the leg muscles and tendons. This can cause the muscles to become very tight and overstretched, the heel becomes less flexible and this build-up of pressure can result in redness, swelling, tenderness and pain at the heel.
Our therapists will assess your pain, presentation and biomechanics. They will then treat your sever’s disease with hands on techniques which may include massage, manual therapy and taping. Your therapist can then provide advice on what you can do at home to further progress your treatment, this may include stretching, strengthening and activity modification. In some cases orthotic prescription may be of benefit.
