Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is heel pain and inflammation of the calcaneal growth plate. This growth plate is between the bottom of your child’s Achilles tendon and the heel bone. Certain young athletes, such as runners, gymnasts, and soccer or basketball players, are more likely to have this type of heel pain.
Growth plates are the areas near each end of the long bones in children and adolescents where bone growth occurs. This developing tissue determines how long and wide the bone will be when fully grown. During late adolescence, when growth stops, the growth plates close and are replaced by solid bone. Until then, the growth plate is relatively weak and vulnerable to trauma.
Rest, anti-inflammatory pain medicine, heel cushions, and stretching exercises can help decrease heel pain and inflammation.