What Is Sever's Disease?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
3. What Causes This Disease?
Sever’s disease affects the Achilles tendon, apophysis and calcaneus. Bones continue to grow through adolescents. The growth plates, which are cartilage at the ends of the bones but separate from the joint between two bones, can become inflamed during repetitive activities.
Inflamed growth plates in turn inflame and irritate the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles and heel bone. Swelling and inflammation in these areas causes tenderness and pain. An X-ray of a heel with Sever’s disease may or may not show any issues, but the affected area may appear red and swollen to the naked eye.
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