Sever disease

Sever disease (aka calcaneal apophyseal osteochondrosis) is an inflammation of the calcaneal apophysis - a growth plate just a bit lower on the heel than the attachment of the Achilles tendon. It is caused by the impact stresses placed on the heel by the vigorous running and jumping of healthy adolescents. The child has point tenderness just beyond the attachment point of the Achilles tendon. Xrays are usually taken to confirm the clinical picture, showing reactive calcium deposits in the growth plate (apophysis). Treatment is relative rest - not so much running and jumping - as well as icing after excercise and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naprosen. (Remember always to take these with food.)

See also Osgood-Schlatter disease for a condition with similar cause and treatment.

Heel pain right at the point of attachment of the Achilles tendon on the heel, or on the underside of the heel toward the back, is not Sever disease. That is most often plantar fasciitis.

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