Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis (or growth plate in the heel), is a medical condition that causes heel pain in children’s feet while they’re growing. Sever's disease occurs most commonly in boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever's disease occurs when the child’s growth plate on the back of the heel, an area attached to the Achilles tendon, is injured or when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. The result is constant pain experienced at the back and bottom of the heel and difficulty putting any weight on the heel. 

The most common symptom of Sever's disease is acute pain felt in the heel when a child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping or running or after after activity.  Children who are active athletes are among the group most susceptible to experiencing Sever's disease. This is due to the extreme stress and tension placed on their growing feet. 

The first step in treating Sever's disease is to rest the foot and leg and avoid physical activity. Over the counter pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications can be helpful and also incorporating proper arch support for the heel and arch.  The Foot Chair arch support is the most effective arch support available on the market.  Most patients with Sever's disease symptoms report an eventual elimination of heel pain after wearing orthotic insoles that support the affected heel.

Sever's disease may affect either one heel or both. It is important for a child experiencing heel pain to be examined by Dr. DiNucci.  

An exercise known as foot curling is a wive's tale some people will talk about using to treat the heel pain.  These useless exercises have no bearing on a growth plate that is inflamed and will not promote healing.  Don't waste your time on these and instead rest the foot.

Treatment methods using the arch supports and anti-inflammatories can continue for at least 2 weeks and as long as 2 months before the heel pain completely disappears. The child also needs to discontinue all sports and recreational activities during this healing period.