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Injury advice > Lower leg/Ankle Injuries > Sever's disease / Achilles Apophysitis

Sever's disease / Achilles Apophysitis

What is Sever's disease?

This is mainly a condition that affects active children aged 8 to 15 years old. Inflammation occurs at the point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel and the bone starts to crumble (a lot like Osgood Schlatters disease of the knee).

Often associated with with a rapid growth spurt, Server's disease occurs as the bones get longer and the muscles and tendons become tighter.

This is the second most common condition, of its kind, seen in youngsters after Osgood Schlatter's of the knee.

What are the symptoms of Sever's disease?

  • Walking and running causes pain at the back of the heels.
  • There may be a lump at the back of the heel/heels. This can be small.
  • The back of the heels may feel tender and painful if pressed or squeezed from the sides.
  • Tight Gastrocnemius or Soleus muscles.

How can you treat sever's disease?

The athlete can:

  • Apply cold therapy and rest the injury.
  • A sports injury professional can prescribe a rehabilitation program.

Visiting a doctor or sports injury specialist.

  • If there is pain a plaster cast should provide relief.
  • Carry out a full biomechanical assessment.
  • X-rays may be taken but this is not usual.

A doctor, sports therapist or physiotherapist will NOT:

  • Give a Steroid Injection
  • Operate - as they are both unsuitable as treatment.

Useful Products:

  • Cold Therapy - apply ice or cold therapy to help relieve pain and inflammation.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Sever's Disease and other heel and achilles injuries.