When a child starts complaining about heel pain, many parents assume it is simply “growing pains.” While growth can certainly play a role, persistent heel pain in active children is often caused by a very common condition called Sever’s disease.
Despite the name, Sever’s disease is not actually a disease. It is an irritation of the growth plate in the heel bone and is one of the most common causes of heel pain in children and adolescents.
At Third Coast Foot & Ankle, we frequently see Sever’s disease during periods of rapid growth and sports activity — especially in children involved in soccer, basketball, baseball, dance, volleyball, track, and other high-impact activities.
The good news is that with early treatment and proper support, most children recover very well and are able to return to activity comfortably. 3.png)
What Is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, occurs when repetitive stress and pulling on the heel growth plate causes inflammation and pain.
Children’s bones grow faster than muscles and tendons during growth spurts, which can create increased tension on the heel. When combined with running, jumping, and sports activity, the growth plate can become irritated.
This condition most commonly affects children between the ages of 8 and 14 who are physically active.
Signs and Symptoms of Sever’s Disease
Children with Sever’s disease often experience:
- Heel pain during or after activity
- Limping after sports or practice
- Pain when squeezing the sides of the heel
- Tight calf muscles
- Difficulty running or jumping comfortably
- Walking on toes to avoid heel pressure
- Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity
Many parents notice symptoms worsen during sports seasons or growth spurts.
Why Early Treatment Matters
While Sever’s disease is temporary and related to growth, ignoring symptoms can lead to prolonged pain and difficulty participating in normal activities.
Children are often very good at pushing through discomfort, especially during sports seasons. However, continuing high-impact activity without addressing the underlying irritation can make symptoms worse and delay healing.
The goal of treatment is to reduce stress on the heel growth plate, improve foot mechanics, and allow the area to heal properly.
Treatment Options for Sever’s Disease
Managing Sever’s disease usually involves a combination of treatments aimed at reducing pain, improving flexibility, and preventing recurrence.
Rest and Activity Modification
One of the most important first steps is temporarily reducing activities that aggravate the heel.
This does not always mean complete inactivity, but limiting repetitive running and jumping often helps calm inflammation and allows healing to begin.
Ice Therapy
Applying ice to the heel after activity can help decrease inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
Many children benefit from icing for 15–20 minutes after sports or periods of increased activity.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons commonly contribute to increased pulling on the heel.
Stretching exercises focused on the calves and Achilles tendon can help improve flexibility, reduce tension on the growth plate, and improve overall foot mechanics.
Supportive Footwear
One of the biggest contributors to heel pain in kids is poor footwear support.
Shoes with proper cushioning, arch support, and shock absorption help reduce stress on the heel and improve comfort during activity.
Worn-out cleats, flat shoes, and unsupportive footwear can often worsen symptoms.
Orthotic Inserts
Orthotic inserts can provide additional cushioning and support for growing feet.
At Third Coast Foot & Ankle, we may recommend pediatric orthotics, including Little Steps® orthotics or custom orthotics depending on the child’s foot structure and activity level.
Orthotics can help:
- Improve alignment
- Reduce excessive pronation
- Redistribute pressure
- Reduce strain on the heel growth plate
- Improve comfort during sports and daily activities
Pain Management
In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended to help reduce discomfort and inflammation during recovery.
Gradual Return to Activity
As symptoms improve, children are gradually able to return to sports and normal activities.
Returning too quickly can sometimes cause symptoms to flare back up, so a gradual progression is important.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Follow-up appointments allow our providers to monitor healing, evaluate progress, and adjust treatment recommendations if needed.
How Long Does Sever’s Disease Last?
Most children improve within several weeks to a few months with consistent treatment and activity modification.
The condition eventually resolves completely once the growth plate matures and closes. However, proper management during active growth years is important to reduce pain and prevent ongoing flare-ups.
Helping Kids Stay Active and Pain-Free
At Third Coast Foot & Ankle, our goal is not simply to treat heel pain — it is to help children stay active, comfortable, and confident during important developmental years.
Whether your child is dealing with Sever’s disease, sports-related heel pain, or another foot condition, early evaluation can help identify the cause and create a treatment plan tailored to their needs.
Persistent heel pain is never something children should simply “push through.”
If your child has been complaining about heel pain, limping after sports, or avoiding activity because of discomfort, our team is here to help.
📞 Call Third Coast Foot & Ankle at (262) 821-1588 to schedule an evaluation.
