In the growth phase, the heel bone must grow in different directions. The growth plate of the heel bone is located at the back of the heel bone. Just above it, the Achilles tendon attaches and some fibers seem to run down to under the heel. The outer shell of the heel bone (calcaneus) is called apophysis, so an inflammatory reaction of this is called apophysitis calcanei, or also Morbus Sever.
Morbus Sever often occurs in (active) children between 8 and 13 years of age and more in boys than in girls. In children in this age group, irregularities in that immature growth plate sometimes occur when the heel bone is loaded. Pressure on the heel bone when bumping the foot and jumping a lot then causes pain and even some swelling of the back of the foot (the heel).
Pain can be caused by: trauma/injury, being overweight, walking barefoot or major physical activities (such as running and jumping). Also, an abnormal foot position of the heel bone can give a greater pull on the Achilles tendon, which can provoke heel pain. Sports such as basketball, tennis and football provoke the symptoms. When the growth plate closes, the pain will disappear.
Treatment for this sterile inflammation of the growing heel bone consists of limiting heel loading in sports. The practitioner may make a corrective sole and/or give shoe advice (thicker cushioning shoes).
