Despite the name, it is not a disease or infection, but a growth-related condition that typically settles with the right management.

1. What Is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated. In children, this area is still soft and developing. Repeated pulling from the Achilles tendon, combined with impact from running and jumping, can lead to inflammation and pain.

It most commonly affects children aged 8–14 years, particularly those who are:

• Very active in sport
• Going through growth spurts
• Playing on hard surfaces
• Wearing unsupportive footwear

2. What Are the Common Symptoms of Sever’s Disease?

Children with Sever’s disease may experience:

• Pain at the back or bottom of the heel
• Pain during or after sport
• Limping, especially after activity
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon
• Relief with rest, with pain returning during activity

Both heels can be affected, although one side is often worse.

3. What Causes It?

Sever’s disease is typically caused by a combination of:

• Rapid bone growth outpacing muscles and tendons
• Tight calf muscles pulling on the heel
• High levels of running and jumping
• Hard playing surfaces
• Poor or unsupportive footwear

It is commonly seen in sports such as soccer, basketball, netball, football, athletics, and gymnastics.

4. How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually based on:

• Your child’s age and activity level
• The location and nature of the pain
• A clinical examination

X-rays are generally not required unless there is concern about other conditions or injury.

5. What Are the Treatment Options?

The good news is that Sever’s disease is temporary and self-limiting. Treatment focuses on reducing pain while allowing your child to remain as active as possible without worsening symptoms.

Management may include:

• Activity modification (reducing impact rather than complete rest)
• Calf and Achilles stretching
• Supportive footwear
• Heel lifts or orthotics
• Ice after activity
• Anti-inflammatory strategies where appropriate
• Load management for sport and training

At Leading Edge Podiatry, we tailor treatment to your child’s sport, activity level, and stage of growth.

6. Can My Child Still Play Sport?

In most cases, yes—with some modifications. The aim is to:

• Reduce pain during and after activity
• Adjust training loads
• Improve foot and leg support
• Prevent symptoms from becoming long-term

Complete rest is rarely necessary unless pain is severe.

7. How Long Does It Last?

Symptoms may last from a few weeks to several months, depending on:

• Growth rate
• Activity levels
• How early treatment begins

Most children grow out of Sever’s disease as the growth plate matures.

8. When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You should consider booking an appointment if:

• Your child is limping
• Pain is affecting sport or school activities
• Symptoms are recurring
• Rest alone is not improving symptoms

Early management can help reduce recovery time and minimise disruption to your child’s activities.

9. How Leading Edge Podiatry Can Help

At Leading Edge Podiatry, we regularly treat children with heel pain and Sever’s disease. Our approach focuses on:

• Accurate diagnosis
• Individualised, sport-specific management
• Footwear and orthotic guidance
• Growth-related care
• Keeping kids active safely