What is Sever's Disease?
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in children, particularly those aged 8 to 15 years during periods of rapid growth.
It occurs when repetitive stress from activities like running, jumping, or prolonged standing irritates the growth plate at the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon attaches.
Despite its name, it is not a disease but a repetitive strain injury that typically resolves with time and proper management.
What Causes Sever's Disease
The main cause is repetitive stress on the heel’s growth plate. Contributing factors include:
- Tight Achilles tendon due to bones growing faster than muscles and tendons.
- Poor foot and lower limb function. Flat feet can be a contributing factor to the development of Sever’s disease.
- Participation in high-impact sports such as football, soccer, basketball, netball or gymnastics.
- Rapid growth spurts, which make the growth plate more vulnerable.
Symptoms of Sever's Disease
Children with Sever’s disease may experience:
- Pain or tenderness at the back of one or both heels, sometimes extending to the sides or bottom.
- Pain that worsens during or after activity and improves with rest.
- Limping or walking on toes to avoid heel pressure
- Mild swelling around the heel.
Common Podiatry Treatments & Services for Sever's disease
Podiatrists treat Sever’s disease by reducing stress on the heel growth plate, improving calf/Achilles flexibility, and supporting the foot so the irritated area can settle. Treatment focuses on pain relief and biomechanical correction rather than “curing” the condition, because it resolves naturally as the growth plate matures.
At Galleria Podiatry, our Podiatrists focus on load management, foot support, and soft‑tissue treatment.
- Activity modification is often recommend temporarily reducing high‑impact activities (running, jumping) that worsen symptoms.
- Heel lifts or heel cups can reduce tension from the Achilles tendon by slightly elevating the heel and absorbing impact.
- Custom or prefabricated orthotics if foot posture contributes to excessive strain. Your podiatrist may prescribe orthotics to improve alignment and reduce pull on the growth plate.
- Calf and Achilles stretching programs will often prescribed.
- Footwear assessment and changes: Your Podiatrist will evaluate your shoes for cushioning, heel height, and support. Evidence shows wearing cushioned, supportive footwear reduces symptoms.
- Ice and short-term anti-inflammatory strategies may be recommended to reduce pain.
- Taping or strapping may be used to reduce strain on the Achilles and support the heel during sport.
Ready to fix your child's Sever's Disease?
For treatment of Sever’s Disease consult Galleria Podiatry for a diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. If you’re located in Morley and near Bayswater, Galleria Podiatry provides specialised care for foot and ankle issues for all patients in the City of Bayswater.
Your Sever's Disease Questions Answered
What is Sever's disease?
Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is inflammation of the heel growth plate and is one of the most common causes of heel pain in active children aged 8–14.
Who gets Sever's disease?
It most often affects highly active children, especially those in sports like football, netball, basketball, athletics, and gymnastics. It is uncommon after age 15 when the heel bone finishes developing.
Can my child keep playing sport?
Yes—continuing sport is not harmful, but it may worsen pain. Many children reduce high‑impact activities temporarily while keeping up low‑impact options like swimming or cycling.
Can Sever’s disease be prevented?
It cannot be fully prevented, but flare‑ups can be reduced by Supportive, cushioned footwear, Avoiding barefoot running on hard surfaces, Gradual increases in activity and Maintaining calf flexibility
Will my child need custom orthotics for Sever's disease?
Custom orthotics (or over-the-counter orthotics, such as Lifesoles) are often highly effective for treating Sever’s disease, especially when the condition is caused by excessive foot pronation (rolling inwards). Orthotics help control abnormal foot motion, reduce over-stretching of the Achilles tendon, and decrease traction forces on the tendon. During your assessment at Galleria Podiatry, we’ll evaluate your child’s foot biomechanics and gait pattern to determine if custom orthotics are appropriate for their situation. Many patients experience significant pain relief and faster recovery when orthotics are part of their treatment plan.
