The Musculoskeletal System
Lesson 2: Diseases and Disorders of the Feet
Section I: Skeletal and Muscular Structure of the Feet
2-6
2-6. SEVER'S DISEASE
In this disease, pain occurs at the margins of the heel. The calcaneus is the only bone in the tarsus that develops from two centers of ossification. Excessive strain in the epiphysis may cause a break in the cartilaginous union between the bones. Those who suffer from this disease are usually children between the ages of 8 and 16. Jumping or other athletic activities in which the children participate have placed too much strain on the epiphysis.
a. Signs/Symptoms of Sever's Disease. Signs and symptoms of the disease may include heat and swelling. Other indications of the disease are the age of the patient, a history of athletic activity, and pain along the margins of the heel. It may take several months for symptoms to develop.
b. Treatment. Treatment includes putting heel pads in the shoe to keep the heel from pulling the Achilles tendon. Another treatment is immobilizing the foot in a plaster cast. Most important is reassuring the patient.
