Sever’s Disease

What Is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children, usually between ages 8 to 14. It happens when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated—often from sports, jumping, or running. Children may feel pain or soreness at the back of the heel, especially after activity. The good news is it usually goes away once the heel bone finishes growing.

If your child is limping or complaining of heel pain, we can help with proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Causes

Sever’s disease is caused by repetitive stress on the heel bone during growth. When the bones grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, tightness in the Achilles tendon pulls on the soft heel bone, leading to inflammation and pain. It could be due to:

• Sports involving running, jumping, or sudden stops and starts (e.g., football, basketball, badminton, gymnastics)

• Wearing unsupportive or worn-out shoes

• Increased physical activity during growth spurts

• Flat feet, high arches, or other biomechanical issues

• Running or training on hard surfaces

• Boys are more commonly affected than girls

Signs & Symptoms

Look out for these common signs of Sever’s disease:

• Pain at the back or bottom of the heel, usually on one or both feet

• Pain that worsens after sports or prolonged activity

• Limping or avoiding putting pressure on the heel

• Walking on tiptoes to reduce heel pressure

• Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the back of the heel

• Stiffness in the foot, especially in the morning or after rest

How Sever’s Disease Is Diagnosed

At KL Foot Specialist Podiatry, diagnosis is made throug”:

• A detailed clinical history and physical examination

• Assessment of gait, posture, foot structure, and range of motion

Imaging (like X-rays) is not usually required unless a fracture or other serious condition is suspected

Treatment Options

At KL Foot Specialist Podiatry, our podiatrist provides:

• Footwear & Activity Advice: Guidance on choosing the right sports shoes and modifying training schedules

• Gait & Biomechanical Assessment: We check your child’s walking pattern, posture, and foot alignment to identify any contributing factors

• Custom Orthotics: Prescription orthotics can support the arch and improve alignment. This helps to distribute pressure more evenly across the foot

• In-shoe Modifications: Heel lifts, cushioning, or offloading pads to reduce tension on the growth plate

• Strengthening & Stretching Programs: Child-friendly exercises to improve flexibility and strength in the lower limbs, promoting faster recovery and prevention

• DolorClast® High Power Laser Therapy: Is often used for tendon and growth plate injuries in children and teens. Most children feel less pain after just a few sessions, and it helps them return to sport or activity faster

What Happens if Left Untreated?

If Sever’s disease is not managed properly, heel pain can worsen and affect a child’s ability to walk, run, or play sports. Persistent strain on the growth plate may lead to long-term discomfort, poor foot mechanics, or compensations in walking that can cause knee or hip pain over time.

When to See a Podiatrist

You should see a podiatrist if your child complains of heel pain during or after activity, starts limping, or avoids putting weight on the heel. Early treatment can relieve pain faster and prevent the condition from affecting your child’s movement and confidence in physical activity.