Sever's disease

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Sever's Disease

Sever's disease (pronounced: SEH-verz), also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common condition that primarily affects children between the ages of 8 and 15. It is named after the American orthopedic surgeon, James Warren Sever, who first described the condition in 1912.

Etymology

The term "Sever's disease" is derived from the name of James Warren Sever, who first documented the condition. The term "disease" is somewhat misleading, as Sever's disease is not a disease per se, but rather a self-limiting condition brought on by stress to the growth plate of the heel bone (calcaneus).

Definition

Sever's disease is a painful bone disorder that results from inflammation (swelling) of the growth plate in the heel. A growth plate, also called an epiphyseal plate, is an area at the end of a developing bone where cartilage cells change over time into bone cells. As this occurs, the growth plates expand and unite, which is how bones grow.

Symptoms

The most prominent symptom of Sever's disease is heel pain which is usually aggravated by physical activity such as walking, running, or jumping. The pain is localized to the very back of the heel, the Achilles tendon insertion area, or the base of the Achilles tendon. It can be severe, especially after prolonged periods of rest.

Treatment

Treatment of Sever's disease is focused on relieving the pain and reducing the inflammation. This can often be accomplished with rest, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and/or heel lifts. In severe cases, immobilization of the foot and ankle may be necessary.

Related Terms

See Also

External links

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