Incidence of calcaneal apophysitis (Sever's disease) and return-to-play in adolescent athletes of a German youth soccer academy: a retrospective study of 10 years.

This is the first study investigating the incidence of calcaneal apophysitis and the associated time to return-to-play in youth elite soccer. Calcaneal apophysitis results in substantial time loss for the athletes. Further prospective clinical studies are required to fully understand the etiology and risk factors for calcaneal apophysitis and therefore develop preventive strategies.