Definition: Sever's disease is a condition that affects growing adolescents, usually between the ages of 9 to 14 years old. Adolescents who have Server's disease experience pain in one or both of their heels when walking.
Sever's disease occurs just before the closing of the heel bone growth plate. At this time in the child's development, the Achilles tendon is pulling on the heel bone with a significant amount of force; this causes increasing tension on the heel bone. The result is inflammation where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel.
Sever's disease usually occurs when a child starts a new sport. Symptoms usually resolve with rest. To prevent the problem from recurring perform stretches that relax the Achilles tendon.
Also Known As: Calcaneal Apophysitis
Common Misspellings: Server's Disease
