Sever’s Disease, also known as Calcaneal Apophysitis, is defined by a characteristic soreness and “tenderness” in the heels of growing children. It usually originates in those growing children between the ages of 9 and 14 whose bone structure is not yet fully formed and calcified. If unresolved it can be painful, of long duration, and may possibly have permanent detrimental effects both on the bone, as well as being a frustrating source of pain in adolescence.
Currently there are over 25 million children in the susceptible age group in the United States. With almost all of them engaging in some physical activity, hundreds of thousands of American boys and girls may contract Sever’s Disease every year. The condition is caused by the gastrocnemius muscle pulling on the attachment point of the Achilles tendon on the calcaneal tuberosity of the “heel bone”. The injury often is associated with running and jumping activities such as soccer, basketball, track and other sports. However it can occur suddenly in children who do not participate in organized sports. The condition is very similar to Osgood-Schlatter Disease, which occurs at the patellar tendon’s attachment point just below the kneecap on the tibial tuberosity. The author of this website suffered from Sever’s Disease in middle school. The initiating cause was jumping off exercise equipment while in a gym class. Many young athletes contract Sever’s while engaged in sports practices and competitions. Sever’s can literally be the “Achilles heel” of adolescent athletes.
If unresolved it can be painful, of long duration, and may possibly have permanent detrimental effects both on the bone, as well as being a frustrating source of pain in adolescence.
How did the Achilles tendon get its name? Click here for the answer. For over fifteen years there has been a simple, safe and reliable formula of two nutrients that has been extremely helpful in reducing and/or eliminating the symptoms of Severs Disease.
