If your child is complaining of heel pain, especially after sports or activity, you’re not alone. Sever’s disease is one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. While the name may sound concerning, Sever’s disease is not actually a disease. It’s a temporary condition caused by irritation of the growth plate in the heel during periods of rapid growth.
The good news is that with the right care, support, and activity adjustments, most children recover fully and return to their normal activities without long-term issues.
At Medi-Dyne, we focus on trusted, science-backed solutions that support recovery while helping kids stay active and comfortable.
What Is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common condition that affects the growth plate in the heel. During childhood and adolescence, the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons. This can create tension where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel, leading to irritation and pain.
Sever’s disease typically occurs in children between the ages of 8 and 14, especially those who are active in sports such as soccer, basketball, or running. Although it can be uncomfortable, Sever’s disease is temporary and resolves once the growth plate matures.
What Causes Sever’s Disease?
Children and adolescents' bones have a special area of cartilage at their ends to facilitate development as they get older called a growth plate. After their teenage years, when your child is fully grown, these growth plates are replaced by solid bone. Before this happens, the growth plates are much weaker than the surrounding ligaments and tendons, making them vulnerable to trauma.
This condition affects the area of bone growth at the back of the child's heel. This growth plate is the anchor point for your child's Achilles tendon – a strong band of tissue that connects the heel bone to their calf muscles at the back of the leg.
Repeated jumping, running, and other high-impact play and sports activities can cause stress on the growth plate of the heel bone. The additional stress of pulling the already overstressed Achilles tendon from its attachment point causes further irritation of the area.
Several factors can contribute to the development of heel pain in children.
Growth Spurts
Rapid growth can cause the bones to lengthen faster than muscles and tendons can adapt, increasing tension on the heel.
Repetitive Impact Activities
Sports that involve running and jumping place repeated stress on the heel, which can irritate the growth plate.
Tight Calf Muscles
Limited flexibility in the calf muscles can increase strain on the Achilles tendon and heel.
Improper Footwear
Shoes that lack cushioning or support may increase impact forces on the heel.
Flat Feet or High Arches
Foot structure can influence how pressure is distributed across the heel, contributing to irritation.
Symptoms of Sever’s Disease
Symptoms may develop gradually and can vary depending on activity levels.
Common signs include:
- Heel pain during or after sports
- Limping or walking on toes
- Tenderness at the back or bottom of the heel
- Pain that improves with rest
- Stiffness in the foot or ankle
Children may also avoid activities they normally enjoy due to discomfort.
There are several factors that your doctor takes into consideration when diagnosing Sever's disease. There are:
- How active the child is
- A history of Sever's disease symptoms
- Results of a physical examination
If your doctor suspects Sever's disease, he or she may perform a squeeze test, where they apply pressure on both sides of the heel to see if it causes pain. The doctor may sometimes order an MRI or X-ray to eliminate other possible causes of the heel pain.
You should contact your child's doctor as soon as possible if they start to exhibit any of the following:
- Pain in the heel area that worsens with activity
- Redness and tenderness to the touch
- Stiff feet when they wake up in the morning
- Swelling.
This condition lasts two to three months on average, though it may recur over several years in some people.
How to Relieve Heel Pain in Children
Most cases of Sever’s disease improve with simple, conservative care. The goal is to reduce stress on the heel while supporting healthy movement.
Rest and Activity Modification
Reducing high-impact activities can help decrease irritation. Encourage low-impact alternatives while symptoms improve.
Ice Therapy
Applying ice to the heel for 15–20 minutes after activity can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Stretching and Flexibility
Improving flexibility in the calf muscles can reduce tension on the heel and support recovery.
Supportive Footwear
Well-cushioned, supportive shoes can help absorb impact and reduce stress on the heel.
Heel Cushioning and Support
Shock-absorbing heel cups or insoles can help reduce pressure on the heel and improve comfort during daily activities.
Exercises for Sever’s Disease
Simple home remedies, a change in footwear, over-the-counter pain medication, rest, and a range of stretching and strength training exercises can relieve the pain of Sever's disease, allowing your child to return to their normal active lifestyle. Do not let your child's growing pains slow them down. Medi-Dyne has a range of physical therapy products for Sever's Disease treatment. Gentle stretching can help reduce tension on the heel and support recovery.
Calf Stretch
- Stand facing a wall with hands placed on the wall.
- Step one foot back while keeping the heel on the ground.
- Hold for 20–30 seconds and repeat.
Seated Towel Stretch
- Sit with legs extended.
- Wrap a towel around the ball of the foot.
- Gently pull the foot toward you.
Heel Raises
- Stand with both feet on the ground.
- Slowly raise heels up and lower back down.
- This helps strengthen the calf muscles and improve support.
Products That Help Support Recovery
Supportive tools can help reduce heel stress and keep children comfortable while they remain active. Medi-Dyne offers solutions trusted by healthcare professionals and families alike.
Examples include:
- Tuli’s Heel Cups for shock absorption and cushioning
- Supportive insoles to improve foot alignment
- Stretching tools to improve flexibility
These solutions are designed to support recovery without limiting movement.
How to Prevent Sever’s Disease
While growth-related conditions cannot always be avoided, certain steps can reduce the risk of heel pain.
- Encourage regular stretching
- Ensure proper footwear with cushioning
- Avoid sudden increases in activity
- Allow adequate rest between activities
- Monitor early signs of discomfort
PLEASE NOTE: The information on this website and article is for information only and should not be used as a substitute for consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and rehabilitation
