What Is Sever’s Disease? (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and teenagers.
It affects the growth plate at the back of the heel bone, where the Achilles tendon attaches. During periods of rapid growth, repeated pulling and pressure around this area can irritate the growth plate and cause pain.
It is particularly common in active children who participate in sports involving lots of running and jumping.
Despite its name, Sever’s disease isn’t actually a disease. It is a growth-related condition that usually settles once the growth plate matures.
Our infographic below provides a quick overview of what Sever’s disease is and why it occurs.
Who Can Develop Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease usually develops while children are going through a growth spurt.
It is most commonly seen around:
- Girls: 8 to 11 years
- Boys: 10 to 13 years
These age ranges aren’t absolute. Children can develop symptoms earlier or later depending on their individual growth and activity levels.
Children who regularly participate in running, jumping and high-impact sports can be more susceptible because of the repeated load placed on the heel.
Sever’s Disease Symptoms
Heel pain is the most common symptom. It can affect one or both feet and may become more noticeable during or after physical activity.
Signs to look for include:
- Pain or tenderness at the back or underside of the heel
- Heel pain during or after running and jumping
- Limping
- Walking on the toes to avoid pressure on the heel
- Reluctance to participate in sport or physical activity
- Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed
Some children won’t tell you their heel hurts straight away. You might first notice that they’re limping, avoiding sport or aren’t running as freely as usual.
If heel pain persists or begins affecting your child’s normal activities, a podiatry assessment can help identify what’s causing it.
What Causes Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease occurs when the growing heel is exposed to more stress than the growth plate can comfortably tolerate.
Several factors can contribute.
Sever’s Disease Treatment
The aim of treatment is to reduce pain and manage the factors placing additional stress on the heel while your child continues to grow.
Depending on their symptoms, treatment may include:
- Adjusting sporting or physical activity
- Calf and Achilles stretching
- Footwear advice
- Heel lifts or cushioning
- Foot orthotics where appropriate
- Advice around gradually returning to sport
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, activity levels and what we find during their assessment.
Children’s Podiatry on the Central Coast
East Gosford Podiatry regularly assesses and treats children experiencing heel pain and other foot and lower limb problems.
We’ll look at your child’s symptoms, feet, movement, footwear and physical activity to determine what’s contributing to their heel pain. From there, we can recommend a practical treatment plan suited to their needs.
For many children, the goal isn’t simply to stop sport. It’s to manage the condition appropriately, reduce pain and help them return to the activities they enjoy.
If your child is experiencing persistent heel pain, book a children’s podiatry assessment at our East Gosford clinic.
