Sever’s Disease
At The Foot Hub we often see young patients struggling with heel pain caused by Sever’s disease.
While the name sounds serious, it’s a fairly common condition that can be treated effectively.
What is Sever’s disease?
Sever’s disease (also called calcaneal apophysitis) is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone (calcaneus). The growth plate is the area of new bone growth near the end of long bones in children and teens. Growth plates determine the future length and width of bones when your child becomes an adult. As children grow, growth plates harden into solid bone.
Sever’s disease (or Sever’s as it’s commonly called) is one of the most common causes of heel pain in children. It typically occurs during periods of rapid growth, usually between the ages of 8 and 14 years.
This condition is particularly common in physically active children who participate in sports involving running and jumping. While Sever’s disease can be painful, it’s important to note that it’s a temporary condition that doesn’t cause long-term damage.
Symptoms of Sever’s disease?
Recognising the symptoms of Sever’s disease is crucial for early intervention and management. Common signs include:
- heel pain that worsens with physical activity
- limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel
- pain when the back of the heel is squeezed
- stiffness in the feet, especially in the morning
- heel pain around and under the heel area
- mild swelling around the heel.
These symptoms may affect one or both feet and typically intensify during or after exercise.
Podiatrist Sydney
What causes Sever’s heel pain?
Sever’s heel pain is caused by repetitive stress to the heel and usually occurs during periods of rapid growth such as those experienced during puberty. During growth spurts, bones, muscles and tendons all change rapidly. This can lead to:
- tightness in the Achilles tendon, which attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone
- increased stress on the growth plate in the heel
- overuse from repetitive impact during sports and physical activities.
Additionally, factors such as poor footwear and biomechanical issues like overpronation can contribute to the development of Sever’s disease.
How is Sever’s heel pain in children treated?
Treatment for Sever’s disease focuses on managing pain and promoting healing. Our approach at The Foot Hub includes:
- Rest and activity modification: It’s important to temporarily reduce high-impact activities that exacerbate symptoms.
- Ice therapy: Apply ice to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Orthotics or heel pads: Custom or over-the-counter inserts or heel pads can provide additional support and reduce stress on the heel.
- Footwear recommendations: Shoes with good heel cushioning and arch support are important. Wearing shoes with a slightly elevated heel may also provide relief.
- Stretching exercises: Implementing a stretching routine for the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can improve flexibility and strengthen the leg muscles once pain has decreased.
- Pain management: Over-the-counter pain medications may be recommended when necessary.
In some cases, a walking boot or short leg cast may be used for severe symptoms that don’t respond to initial treatments.
It’s possible that Sever’s disease can recur when your child increases their activity levels. However, wearing supportive sports shoes can help prevent this. The good news is, once your child is fully grown and the growth plate matures into solid bone, Sever’s-related heel pain will not return.
When to see a podiatrist
While Sever’s disease often resolves on its own with time and proper management, we recommend you make an appointment with us, so we can determine the exact cause of your child’s heel pain. You should definitely book an appointment if:
- pain persists or worsens despite home treatment
- symptoms significantly interfere with daily activities or
- sports participation
- there’s noticeable swelling, redness, or warmth in the heel area
- your child develops a limp or changes in gait
- you’re unsure about the cause of your child’s heel pain.
While painful, Sever’s disease is a manageable condition that typically resolves as children grow. With proper care and guidance, most children can return to their normal activities without long-term complications.
At The Foot Hub, our experienced podiatrists can provide a comprehensive assessment and develop a tailored treatment plan to address your child’s specific needs.
- OrthoInfo, Sever’s Disease, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/severs-disease/
- Nemours Kids Health, Sever’s Disease, https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/severs-disease.html
- Nemours Kids Health, Growth Plates, https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/growth-plates.html
- The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Sever’s disease, https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/severs-disease-factsheet
- Healthdirect, Sever’s disease, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/severs-disease