Ankle pain is a condition that can affect anyone at any age. Depending on the severity of the condition, this pain can be very debilitating, limiting mobility and the ability to perform in sports or certain activities in one’s daily life. In growing children, ankle pain can manifest in the form of Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease is a condition in which the ankle’s calcaneus bone is not fully fused together, creating pain should the Achilles tendon pull on the area where it attaches. The condition typically develops in children who are very active. Along with pain, other symptoms include swelling and tenderness.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.