Well, it's not really a disease, but a condition. Severs disease is the condition that describes pain to the "back part" of the heel that typically occurs in children between the ages of 10 to 14. In this area is a growth plate that can become inflamed with increased activity or from a sudden force, such as jumping off a couch or bed. Many times the ER will refer me a patient with the a diagnosis of a "fractured heel" because this growth plate appears very irregular as it is fusing with the heel bone during development. Sometimes during a "growth spurt" the muscles and tendons can't stretch as fast as the bones are growing and the increased tension will produce this pain. Rest, stretching, and anti-inflammatories usually will improve symptoms, while a cast and crutches will help for those with pain lasting several weeks to months. Yes, you could call this growing pains!!
