Business Office Location
MON-FRI: 8:30AM-4:30pm
SAT-SUN: Closed
Children and adolescents often participate in high-impact sports, activities, or play that puts strain on their growing bodies—especially their feet. While occasional aches and pains are normal, persistent heel pain in active kids can be a sign of something more specific: Sever’s disease.
Sever’s disease, medically known as calcaneal apophysitis, is one of the most common causes of heel pain in children, particularly those between the ages of 8 and 14 who are physically active. Though the name might sound alarming, Sever’s disease isn’t a disease in the traditional sense—it’s a temporary growth-related condition that affects the heel’s growth plate.
Understanding the signs, causes, and treatment options for Sever’s disease is essential for helping your child stay comfortable, active, and healthy. If you want to learn how to manage heel pain in kids, reduce the risk of complications, and keep your child on their feet, continue reading to discover everything you need to know about Sever’s disease.
Sever’s disease is a type of heel injury that occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress. The heel bone (calcaneus) grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons during a child’s growth spurt. As a result, increased tension from these tight tissues pulls on the heel’s growth plate, causing irritation and pain.
This condition typically affects active children, especially those who participate in sports like soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or track. The repeated running and jumping involved in these activities increases pressure on the heel, aggravating the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone.
It’s worth noting that Sever’s disease doesn’t affect adults, as their growth plates have already closed. Once a child’s bones finish developing, the condition usually resolves on its own. However, that doesn’t mean it should be ignored while present—timely diagnosis and proper management are essential for minimizing pain and preventing future issues.
Heel pain related to Sever’s disease often develops gradually rather than suddenly. Some of the most frequently reported symptoms include:
These symptoms may fluctuate with activity level and tend to be more noticeable after sports practice or physical education class. In many cases, the pain lessens with rest but returns when activity resumes.
Parents may notice their child complaining of heel pain more often after growth spurts or during sports seasons. It’s also common for the pain to affect both heels at once, although it can certainly occur in just one foot.
Diagnosis is typically based on a physical exam and the child’s medical history. A podiatrist or pediatrician may perform a heel squeeze test to determine if the growth plate is tender. They’ll also evaluate your child’s walking pattern and check for tightness in the Achilles tendon or calf muscles.
In most cases, imaging like X-rays isn’t necessary to diagnose Sever’s disease, though a doctor may order them to rule out other conditions like fractures, infections, or structural abnormalities.
Since other heel pain conditions can present with similar symptoms, it’s important to consult a foot specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.
While it’s not always possible to prevent Sever’s disease entirely—especially during growth spurts—there are steps parents can take to reduce the risk or severity of symptoms:
Make sure your child wears proper shoes that fit well and offer cushioning for high-impact activities. Avoid worn-out shoes or unsupportive styles like flip-flops.
Exercises to stretch and warm up the calves, Achilles tendons, and hamstrings can help relieve tension and reduce strain on the heel.
Encourage cross-training and rest days to prevent overuse of the heel. Avoid back-to-back seasons of high-intensity sports if your child is prone to heel pain.
Shoe inserts may help provide extra heel support and shock absorption, especially for kids with flat feet or high arches.
Stay aware of when your child is experiencing rapid growth, as this is when Sever’s disease is most likely to occur. Increasing rest and modifying activities during this period may help.
Taking these steps won’t always stop Sever’s disease from developing, but they can significantly lower the likelihood of severe or prolonged discomfort.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing Sever’s disease, but the good news is that the condition usually resolves completely with conservative treatment. Key treatment strategies include:
Temporarily reducing or stopping high-impact activities allows the inflammation in the heel to subside. Your child may need to sit out of sports for a few weeks.
Applying ice to the heel for 15–20 minutes after activity can help relieve pain and swelling.
These can reduce tension on the Achilles tendon and cushion the heel during movement.
A podiatrist or physical therapist may recommend specific exercises to improve flexibility and support the foot and ankle.
Wearing proper shoes with arch support and cushioning is key. Custom orthotics may be advised for kids with foot alignment issues.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort, but should only be used under a doctor’s supervision.
Most children recover fully within 2–8 weeks of starting treatment, depending on the severity of their symptoms and how closely they follow their care plan. Continuing stretching and supportive footwear after recovery can help prevent recurrence.
If your child has heel pain that lasts longer than a few days, gets worse with activity, or affects their ability to walk or participate in normal routines, it’s time to seek professional help. While Sever’s disease is common and temporary, it’s crucial to rule out other potential causes of heel pain and receive an accurate diagnosis.
A foot specialist can ensure that the pain is indeed caused by growth plate inflammation and not a more serious issue. They can also provide expert guidance on managing pain and creating an individualized treatment plan to help your child recover quickly and safely.
If you’re looking for a trusted foot specialist In Florida, The Foot and Ankle Associates offers expert care for pediatric heel pain, including the diagnosis and management of Sever’s disease. Our experienced providers understand the unique challenges that growing feet present and are dedicated to helping your child return to their favorite activities pain-free.
To make your experience more convenient, we have locations throughout South Florida, our specialists serving the Greater Miami Area, including Miami-Dade (Miami, Kendall, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Coral Gables), Broward County (Hollywood, Pembroke Pines), and Palm Beach County (Boca Raton).
The best foot doctor in Miami is just one click away. You can easily check which of our clinics has the most convenient location for you with our find a location option.
We also offer a full range of foot and ankle services to meet the needs of every family member. Whether your child is struggling with sports-related heel pain or you’re managing a chronic foot condition yourself, our clinics provide professional, compassionate care you can trust.
In addition to pediatric services, we proudly offer:
and more!
Don’t let heel pain hold your child back. Early intervention is key to keeping them healthy, active, and pain-free. Schedule your appointment today with The Foot and Ankle Associates and get expert support from a trusted Florida foot specialist. Your child’s feet deserve the best care—let’s take the first step together.
***
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
