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November 22, 2009
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Sever Condition

Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

What is Sever condition?

Sever condition is an inflammation of the growth plate of the bone at the back of the heel (apophysitis of the calcaneus). The inflammation of Sever condition is at the point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel bone.

Picture of the metatarsal (foot) and calcaneus (heel) bones, the plantar fascia ligament, and the Achilles tendon of the lower leg and foot

Who gets Sever condition?

Sever condition occurs in adolescent or older children, particularly active boys. It can be very painful. It is one of those conditions commonly referred to as "growing pains." Patients are evaluated for signs of conditions that can mimic Sever condition, such as ankylosing spondylitis and other forms of arthritis. Usually Sever condition is self limited; that is, it disappears as the child ages.

How is Sever condition treated?

When the condition flares, it is treated with activity limitation, medication to reduce inflammation (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), shoe inserts, heel lifts, cold packs, and sometimes casting when it becomes especially severe.


Last Editorial Review: 11/2/2007





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Sever Condition

Ankle Pain and Tendinitis »

How is the ankle designed, and what is its function?

The ankle is a "hinged" joint capable of moving the foot in two primary directions: away from the body (plantar flexion) and toward the body (dorsiflexion). It is formed by the meeting of three bones. The end of the shinbone of the leg (tibia) and a small bone in the leg (fibula) meet a large bone in the foot, called the talus, to form the ankle. The end of the shin bone (tibia) forms the inner portion of the ankle, while the end of the fibula forms the outer portion of the ankle. The hard bony knobs on each side of the ankle are called the malleoli. These provide stability to the ankle joints, which function as weight-bearing joints for the body during standing and walking.

Ligaments on each side of the ankle also provide stability by tightly strapping the outside of the ankle (lateral malleolus) with the lateral collateral ligaments and the inner portion of the ankle (medial malleolus)...

Read the Ankle Pain and Tendinitis article »




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