Growing Pains or Something More? Understanding Sever’s Disease in Active Kids and Teens
At Bondi Podiatry, we often see young patients who love to run, jump, and play—only to be sidelined by heel pain. One of the most common biomechanical conditions affecting children and adolescents is Sever’s Disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis. While the name might sound serious, this condition is treatable, especially when caught early.
What Is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s Disease is not a disease in the traditional sense. It’s a growth-related condition that affects the heel bone (calcaneus), specifically where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone. As children go through growth spurts—typically between the ages of 8 and 14—the heel bone can grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, leading to tension, inflammation, and pain.
Who’s at Risk?
Sever’s is most common in:
Active children and teens, especially those involved in sports like soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or athletics.
Kids with flat feet or high arches, which can alter the way forces are distributed through the foot and leg.
Children who wear unsupportive footwear or rapidly outgrow their shoes.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Parents might notice:
Complaints of heel pain, particularly after sports or physical activity.
Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid pressure on the heel.
Swelling, redness, or tenderness at the back of the heel.
Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Importantly, Sever’s Disease doesn’t usually involve pain at night or during rest—which helps distinguish it from more serious issues.
The Biomechanical Link
Biomechanics play a big role in the development and persistence of Sever’s Disease. Children with poor foot alignment—such as overpronation (rolling in) or supination (rolling out)—can place excessive strain on the heel bone and Achilles tendon. Even subtle imbalances can cause or aggravate symptoms, especially when combined with the demands of high-impact sport.
Treatment at Bondi Podiatry
At Bondi Podiatry, we take a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to managing Sever’s Disease. Treatment may include:
Footwear advice: Ensuring proper support for growing feet.
Custom orthotics: To address biomechanical imbalances and offload pressure from the heel.
Activity modification: Reducing high-impact activities while the heel is inflamed.
Stretching and strengthening: Especially the calf muscles and Achilles tendon.
Cold therapy and anti-inflammatory strategies to reduce pain and swelling.
In most cases, symptoms resolve completely with the right management and care. The good news? Sever’s Disease does not cause long-term damage if properly treated.
Prevention Tips for Parents
Make sure your child wears supportive shoes suited to their activities.
Encourage a gradual warm-up and cool-down for sports.
Don’t ignore complaints of heel pain—early intervention is key.
Schedule a biomechanical assessment if you notice changes in gait, posture, or foot structure.
Worried About Heel Pain in Your Child?
Book an appointment with Bondi Podiatry for a friendly and thorough assessment. We’ll help get your child back on their feet—pain-free and ready to play.
