Inflammation of an apophysis, the small bony projection on a bone, usually caused by repeated stress or injury.
Combines apophysis with the suffix -itis meaning 'inflammation of.' This medical term emerged in the 19th century as doctors began categorizing specific types of bone inflammations.
Sever's disease is actually calcaneal apophysitis—super common in young soccer and basketball players where the growth plate in the heel gets inflamed from the repetitive pounding of their sport.
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