Heel Pain in Kids: Is It Sever’s Disease?
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons active kids in Winnipeg develop foot pain, especially between the ages of 8 and 14. If your child complains that their heel hurts after sports like soccer, hockey, basketball, or gymnastics, the most likely cause is a condition called Sever’s disease.
That Sounds Bad - A Disease?!
Despite the name, Sever’s disease is not actually a disease and it isn’t dangerous. It is a temporary irritation of the growth plate in the heel that occurs during periods of rapid growth.
The good news is that with the right treatment, most children recover quickly and can safely return to sports.
So What Is It?
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated.
Children’s bones grow from areas called growth plates, which are softer and more vulnerable to stress than adult bone. In the heel, the growth plate can become inflamed when repeated pulling from the Achilles tendon and calf muscles places stress on the developing bone.
This is why Sever’s disease is most common in active kids who run and jump frequently.
Sports commonly associated with heel pain include:
• Soccer
• Hockey
• Basketball
• Track and field
• Gymnastics
• Volleyball
Growth spurts can also increase the risk because the bones grow faster than the muscles and tendons can adapt, leading to tightness and increased stress on the heel.
Signs Your Child May Have Sever’s Disease
Parents often notice the symptoms gradually. Common signs include:
• Pain at the back or bottom of the heel
• Pain during or after sports
• Limping after activity
• Heel pain when squeezing the sides of the heel
• Stiff or tight calf muscles
• Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity
Sometimes children will start walking on their toes or avoiding putting weight on the heel. The pain may affect one heel or both.
Why X-Rays Usually Don’t Help
Many parents worry their child may have a fracture or need an X-Ray.
In most cases, X-rays are not needed to diagnose Sever’s disease because it does not show up clearly on imaging. The condition is caused by irritation of the growth plate rather than a break in the bone.
Diagnosis is typically made based on:
• The child’s age
• Activity level
• Location of pain
• Physical examination findings
Imaging is usually only required if symptoms suggest a different injury.
Okay, So How Do I Get Rid of My Child’s Pain?!
The goal of treatment is to reduce stress on the growth plate while allowing the heel to heal.
Effective treatment strategies include:
Activity modification
· Temporarily reducing running and jumping can help settle the irritation.
Calf stretching
· Tight calf muscles increase tension on the heel. Gentle stretching can reduce this load.
Strength and movement exercises
· Improving foot strength and control helps the body absorb forces better during activity.
Heel cups or supportive footwear
· These can reduce pressure on the growth plate and improve comfort.
Gradual return to sport
· Once symptoms improve, children can slowly return to sports with proper load management.
With the right approach, most kids improve within 4–8 weeks.
When Should Your Child See a Physiotherapist?
You should consider seeking treatment if:
• Heel pain lasts longer than two weeks
• Your child starts limping
• Pain is limiting sports participation
• The pain keeps returning after rest
Early treatment can help children recover faster and prevent chronic pain.
The Good News?
Although heel pain can be frustrating for young athletes, Sever’s disease is temporary and resolves once the growth plate closes.
With proper management, children can usually return to their favourite sports pain-free while continuing to grow and develop normally.
If your child is experiencing heel pain that is limiting sports or daily activities, early treatment can make a big difference. Book online here or contact our clinic to learn more.
