Severs Disease

Question 1

What is Severs Disease?

Answer 1

A painful bone disorder that results from inflammation (swelling) of the growth plate in the calcaneus.

Question 2

What are the 2 typical causes of severs?

Answer 2

• Calcaneus sometimes grows faster than the leg muscles and tendons. This can cause the muscles and tendons to become very tight and overstretched, making the heel less flexible and putting pressure on the growth plate.
• Repeated stress on the already tight Achilles tendon damages the growth plate

Question 3

How could someone physically stress the growth plate?

Answer 3

Running and jumping, especially on hard surfaces, such as track, basketball, soccer, and gymnastics.

Question 4

What are some risk factors of SD?

Answer 4

• pronated foot (a foot that rolls in at the ankle when walking)
• flat or high arch, which affects the angle of the heel within the foot
• short leg syndrome
• overweight or obesity, which puts weight-related pressure on the growth plate

Question 5

When in a persons life time is SD most likely to occur?

Answer 5

Adolescence - more common in boys

Question 6

Clinical presentation of SD:

Answer 6

Pain or tenderness in one or both heels, usually at the back can sometimes radiate to arch of foot.
• difficulty walking
• discomfort or stiffness in the feet upon awaking
• discomfort when the heel is squeezed on both sides
• Antalgic gait - walking with a limp or on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel

Question 7

What could we find on examination?

Answer 7

Shape of the heel slightly abnormal
Swelling around the heel
Tenderness