Severs disease is a relatively common problem in youngsters aged 10-15 years. The pain is felt at the back and sides of the heel. This is where there is a thin cartilage growth plate that allows the heel bone to grow. This growth plate merges with bone by age 15, so it’s no longer a problem after that. Severs Disease tends to be much more common in those who are more active, particularly on the harder sports fields. The Achilles tendon also attaches to the back of this growth area, so that increases the pull on it.  It has been suggested that severs disease be thought of as a stress fracture and should be treated like a stress fracture (but there is no evidence if it is or not actually a stress fracture). The best initial treatment of severs disease is a reduction in sports activity to tolerable levels and the use of a cushioned heel raise. Sometime foot orthotics are used to correct foot alignment and calf muscle stretches are also considered important. Ice is often helpful when the severs disease is painful.

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