Definition of Apophysitis calcaneus

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Apophysitis calcaneus: Also called Sever's condition, this disorder is due to inflammation of the growth plate of the calcaneus, the bone at the back of the heel. The inflammation is at the point where the Achilles tendon attaches.

It occurs mainly in older children and adolescents, especially active boys. It can be very painful. It is one of those conditions often dismissed as "growing pains".

When this condition flares up, it is treated with activity limitation, medication, shoe inserts, heel lifts, and sometimes casting when it becomes especially severe. However, fortunately, the condition is usually self-limited and disappears as the child gets older.

Apophysitis refers to inflammation of the apophysis, the bony protuberance, of the calcaneus.