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My Child Has Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis) — What Should I Do?Updated 2 months ago
Summary
Sever’s disease, more accurately called calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in active, growing kids. It’s not a disease, but rather irritation of the heel’s growth plate. While painful, it’s usually temporary and improves with the right mix of rest, activity management, and strengthening.
What You Need to Know
Who it affects: Active, growing kids (commonly ages 8–14).
Cause: Irritation of the growth plate in the heel during growth spurts.
Symptoms: Heel pain, especially after running, jumping, or playing sport.
Prognosis: Often temporary and resolves as growth finishes — but symptoms don’t have to linger if addressed well.
Key approach: Manage load, keep kids moving in ways that don’t flare pain, and build strong, resilient feet.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Chat with an Expert
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Manage activity load
Encourage variety (mixing high-impact with low-impact activities).
Short breaks from the most painful sports may help, but total rest is rarely necessary.
Support comfort & pain relief
Use ice or heat for symptom relief.
Ensure footwear is wide, flexible, and comfortable (avoid rigid shoes that force the toes to grip).
In some cases, a small heel raise in sports shoes may be helpful under practitioner guidance.
Improve mobility
Gentle ankle mobility exercises can reduce stiffness.
Build strength
Strengthening the calves, feet, and legs helps absorb sport-related loads.
Teaching the foot and calf muscles to work under gentle, progressive load can reduce heel stress.
Encourage natural foot movement
Barefoot time and natural movement (where safe) can help strengthen and restore healthy mechanics.
FAQs & Common Issues
Q: Should my child stop sport completely?
A: Not usually. This needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis though. Modifying activity and adjusting load is most critical to resolution.
Q: Will this affect my child long-term?
A: Sever’s is typically temporary and resolves as the growth plate closes. Addressing mobility and strength early may shorten recovery time.
Q: What if the pain doesn’t improve?
A: Seek guidance from a health professional familiar with foot function. Persistent symptoms may need individual assessment.