Severs Condition

Sever’s apophysitis of the heel

What is Sever’s apophysitis of the heel?

It is an inflammation of the growing area of the heel bone and a fairly common cause of heel pain in young athletes. The average age when this is first detected is 11.5 years. It is more common in boys and in about 60% of patients both feet are affected.

What causes it?

The cause is unknown but it is thought to be due to repetitive traction (pulling) to the growth area where the Achilles tendon is attached.

What are the symptoms?

Typically, patients experience pain at the back and down to underneath the heel, especially after sports. It may be associated with warmth, swelling, and even redness. Children can also have an associated tight Achilles tendon and calf muscle.

How is it diagnosed?

X-rays are not helpful to make the diagnosis. Diagnosis is usually made based upon examination and consideration of the symptoms. MRI scans are occasionally performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other problems around the foot.

What is the natural progression?

It is a condition that usually improves without treatment, with the closure of the growth plate of the heel bone (usually around the age of 15 for girls and 16 for boys). However, until then, it is normal for symptoms to come and go. (often with growth spurts)

What are the treatment options?

Are always – Non-operative

  • Avoiding aggravating activities – especially jumping sports.
  • Wearing orthotic heel cups or heel pads.
  • A stretching exercise programme (from the physiotherapists) of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. This decreases symptoms and decreases recurrent episodes if continued through until adolescence.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines taken prophylactically before sports and Ice the painful area after sports
  • For severe persistent symptoms, a below-knee plaster or walker boot is sometimes used to rest the foot.

Patient Information Leaflet

Download Sever’s PIL

Contact Form

    Your Name*

    Contact Email*

    Contact Number*

    Your Enquiry*

    Human Verification

    Recent News

    A Bright Future for Childrens Trauma and Orthopaedic Research in the UK

    A Bright Future for Children’s Trauma and Orthopaedic Research in the UK

    In recent years, the landscape of children’s Trauma & Orthopaedic research in the UK has witnessed remarkable growth and innovation. Clinical research is the systematic…

    Meniscal Tears

    Meniscal Tears Unmasked: Understanding the Differences Between Acute Trauma and Degenerative Damage

    Nev Davies Consultant Knee Surgeon @nevtheknee Meniscal tears are among the most common knee injuries, and they can occur due to various reasons, from sudden…

    Get Ski Fit - How to Avoid Knee Injuries

    Get Ski Fit – How to Avoid Knee Injuries

    With the Winter Sports season in full swing – I though it appropriate to go through some tips to keep your knees in good condition…

    Testimonials

    I had a knee arthroscopy to removed and clean up damaged cartilage after 6 years of repeated injury and dislocation from playing sport. I had been putting off the idea of surgery, but it was a great decision to finally get it seen to. I couldn't be happier with the results so far, and in less time than expected. Running, squats and climbing stair caused pain, and a lot more cracking than a 22 year old's knee should have! Now 2 weeks after the op, and following the physio exercises given after the operations, I am driving and climbing/ descending stairs without a problem and on the road to a full recover and hoping to get back to regular exercise within the next few weeks.

    I came to see you approximately four years ago and talked through the pros and cons of having an ACL replacement following an ACL rupture in my right knee I suffered playing an ill- advised game of beach volley ball on holiday in Antigua. I went ahead with the operation which you successfully performed at the Dunedin Hospital in Reading, I got on with my rehab and I now just wanted to let you to know that I will be running the London Marathon in three weeks (and raising money for Whizz-Kidz a disability charity for young people.) This letter is just a belated thank you for enabling this to happen.

    Mr Davies is a fantastic surgeon he put in a half knee joint in my right knee I have no problem with it ever since the operation in August last year. I have no more pain in my knee at all. I would recommend him to anyone.

    Mr Nev Davies has a very pleasant manner and was easy to talk to. The service provided was efficient, quickly identified the problems I had and was able to recommend treatment close to where I live.

    Memberships

    • General Medical Council (GMC) Membership
    • Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS(Eng.))
    • British Medical Association (BMA)
    • British Orthopaedic Association (BOA)
    • British Society of Children's Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS)
    • British Association of Surgery of the Knee (BASK)
    • AO European Trauma Group
    • British Orthopaedic Sports Trauma and Arthroscopy Association (BOSTAA)