What Is Sever’s Disease? What Parents of Active Kids Should Know
Your child finishes soccer practice complaining that the back of the heel hurts. The pain improves with rest, then returns after the next game or practice. In active, growing children, this pattern may point to Sever’s disease, one of the most common causes of pediatric heel pain.
Below, the podiatrists at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists explain what parents should know about this overuse condition.
What Is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease is inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel bone, developing when repeated stress irritates an area of the heel that is still growing.
During a growth spurt, the heel bone may grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons can adapt. Tight calf muscles and pulling from the Achilles tendon can increase pressure on the growth plate. Running, jumping, and other high-impact activities may further aggravate the area.
What Are the Symptoms of Sever’s Disease?
- Heel pain during or after physical activity
- Tenderness at the back or bottom of the heel
- Mild swelling
- Limping or walking on the toes
- Pain when the heel is squeezed from the sides
- Symptoms in one or both heels
Unlike an acute injury, there may be no single fall, collision, or other event that caused the discomfort.
Which Children Are Most at Risk?
Sever’s disease typically affects growing children and adolescents, particularly those involved in sports that require frequent running or jumping. Poorly cushioned shoes, flat footwear, and a sudden increase in activity may also contribute.
How Is Sever’s Disease Treated?
Treatment focuses on reducing stress and relieving discomfort while the heel heals. A podiatrist may recommend temporarily modifying activity, applying ice, stretching the calf muscles, wearing supportive shoes, or using heel cushions or orthotics. More significant pain may require immobilization in a walking boot.
When Should Your Child See a Podiatrist?
Schedule an evaluation if heel pain persists, causes limping, limits sports participation, or keeps returning. Other conditions can cause pediatric heel pain, so an accurate diagnosis matters.
For help with heel pain in an active child, seek professional care from the expert team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. With locations in Tucson and Oro Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are here for you. Call us at (520) 575-0800 orcontact us online!
