This can be very common in children. The pain is usually at the back of the heel and is worse when you squeeze it using the calcaneus squeeze test. It is usually called Severs disease, but many think it is better called calcaneal apophysitis as its not really a disease and it is no longer considered appropriate to name conditions after famous physicians. The condition is a stress reaction in the growth plate at the back of the heel bone and usually affects children aged 10 to 13 years of age

This problem is mostly caused by being too active and it just overloads the pull on the heel bone from the Achilles tendon and from impact on hard surfaces. Being overweight, having tight calf muscles and playing a lot of sport can also be a factor in the causing Sever’s disease.

Most cases are treated by reducing activity levels and some cushioning heel pads. Some podiatrists do use foot orthotics for treating Sever’s disease. Stretching the calf muscles is also a good idea. Most cases are self limiting as they do heal up eventually when the growth plate merges with the rest of the heel bone.