What age group does Sever's disease affect?

Sever's disease most commonly affects active children and adolescents between ages 8 and 14, during growth spurts when the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons.

Does Sever's disease cause long-term problems?

No. Sever's disease typically resolves without lasting foot problems once the growth plate finishes developing, usually within two weeks to two months of starting treatment.

How is Sever's disease treated?

Treatment usually includes rest, ice, supportive footwear, orthotics when needed, and anti-inflammatory medication. Severe cases may require a walking boot to fully rest the heel.

Can Sever's disease be prevented?

Maintaining good calf and leg flexibility during growth spurts and wearing supportive, shock-absorbing shoes can help reduce a child's risk of developing Sever's disease.

Sever's Disease in Kids: Symptoms & Treatment

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common pediatric foot condition affecting active children and adolescents, particularly those between the ages of 8 and 14, with boys as young as 5 sometimes affected as well. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel bone (the calcaneal epiphysis), where it attaches to the Achilles tendon, becomes inflamed.

Why Sever's Disease Happens

During a growth spurt, a child's heel bone can grow faster than the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the leg can keep up with. This mismatch places repetitive stress on the growth plate, especially with the running and jumping involved in sports like soccer, baseball, and basketball. About 60 percent of children with Sever's disease have both heels affected.

Symptoms

Symptoms typically include heel pain, tenderness, and discomfort that intensifies during running and jumping activities. The pain is usually localized to the back of the heel and can become severe enough to interfere with daily activities, sometimes causing a child to limp or walk on their toes to avoid putting weight directly on the heel.

Diagnosis

A podiatrist will typically diagnose Sever's disease based on your child's symptoms and activity level, since X-rays are generally not helpful for this condition. The exam often includes the squeeze test, in which gentle pressure is applied to both sides of the heel to check for pain. Some doctors may still use an X-ray to rule out other issues, such as a fracture, infection, or tumor.

Managing and Treating Sever's Disease

Treatment for Sever's disease focuses on reducing pain and inflammation while allowing the growth plate to heal. This typically includes:

Resting from activities that trigger heel pain
Applying ice to the affected heel for about 20 minutes, several times a day
Wearing supportive footwear with a firm heel and shock-absorbent sole
Using orthotics for children with high arches, flat feet, or bowed legs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to relieve pain
In more severe cases, a walking boot or cast to rest the heel

A podiatrist can also provide tailored advice on proper footwear, stretching exercises, and activity modifications to help your child stay comfortable while healing. Maintaining good flexibility during growth spurts and wearing quality, supportive shoes can also help prevent Sever's disease in the first place.

Fortunately, Sever's disease does not cause long-term foot problems, and most children start to feel better within two weeks to two months of starting treatment. If your child is experiencing heel pain, it is important to seek professional help. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure effective treatment and support for your child's active lifestyle. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office located in Marietta, GA.

Request an appointment with Choice Podiatry Center for your child's heel pain.