If your child has started complaining of heel pain after sport or running, they may be experiencing a common condition known as Sever’s disease – an overuse injury that’s very common in active, growing kids.
What Is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel bone (calcaneus) becomes irritated and inflamed. During growth spurts, the bones often grow faster than the muscles and tendons, creating extra tension through the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the heel. This tension, combined with repetitive impact activities like running, jumping, or sports, can lead to pain and inflammation in that area.
Who Does It Affect?
Sever’s disease most often affects:
- Active children aged 8-14 years
- Those involved in running and jumping sports (like soccer, basketball, netball, athletics)
- Kids going through a growth spurt
- Children who wear flat or unsupportive shoes or have poor lower limb biomechanics (such as flat feet or tight calves)
Common Symptoms
- Pain at the back or underside of the heel, especially after sport
- Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid heel pressure
- Tenderness when squeezing the sides of the heel
- Stiffness in the calf or Achilles tendon
- Typically seen in one heel, but can occur in both
- Symptoms usually improve with rest but return when activity resumes.
How Physiotherapy Can Help:
Physiotherapy plays an important role in managing pain and preventing recurrence. Treatment focuses on reducing stress on the heel and improving lower limb function through:
- Activity modification
- Manual therapy
- Stretching and strengthening
- Heel raises or taping
- Footwear advice
- Gradual return to sport plan: to prevent flare-ups
Most children recover fully with a combination of load management, exercise, and time, typically within a few months.
If your child is complaining of heel pain or limping after sport, book an appointment with our physio’s for an assessment.
Early management means faster recovery and happier, pain-free play!
