Sever's Disease: A Guide to Heel Pain in Active Children

Author

Niraj De Silva

B.Sc. (Clinical Sciences), M.H.Sc. (Osteopathy)

Niraj is the founder and principal of Nudge Osteopathy in Wantirna, where he helps people overcome pain, restore movement, and get back to doing what they enjoy. Using a hands on, evidence based approach, Niraj combines thorough assessment, osteopathic treatment, and personalised rehabilitation to address the root cause of musculoskeletal conditions. Whether you're recovering from a sports injury, managing persistent pain, or looking to improve your everyday movement, he is committed to delivering tailored care that supports long term results.

Watching your child enjoy sports and play is a wonderful part of parenting. However, when they start complaining of heel pain, it can be a source of concern for any family. One of the most common causes of heel pain in active children is Sever's Disease.

While the term "disease" can sound alarming, Sever's Disease is a manageable, self-limiting condition related to growth and activity. Osteopathy offers a gentle, whole-body approach to help young people manage their symptoms, stay active, and support their bodies through this temporary phase of development.

Key Facts About Sever's Disease

Sever's Disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is not a true disease but an inflammatory condition of the growth plate in the heel bone (calcaneus). It occurs where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. It most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14 who are going through growth spurts. The pain typically resolves on its own once the growth plate fuses, usually by age 15.

What Causes Sever's Disease?

Sever's Disease is caused by repetitive stress on the heel's growth plate. During a growth spurt, a child's bones often grow faster than their muscles and tendons. This can lead to: tight calf muscles and Achilles tendon increasing the pull on the growth plate; repetitive impact from running and jumping activities; biomechanical factors such as flat feet or high arches; and the combination of a growth spurt, tight muscles, high-impact sports, and poor footwear.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Pain at the back or bottom of one or both heels. Pain that worsens during or after sports or physical activity. A noticeable limp, especially after activity. Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed. Stiffness or pain in the heel upon waking.

How Can Osteopathy Help?

Osteopathic management focuses on reducing pain, addressing muscular and biomechanical factors, and supporting the body's natural healing processes. During consultation, we take a detailed history, perform a gentle physical examination, and conduct a biomechanical assessment of posture, gait, and foot function. Treatment includes gentle soft tissue massage and myofascial release for tight calf muscles; gentle mobilisation of the ankle, foot, knee, and hip; advice on activity modification, rest, ice, and supportive footwear; a tailored home exercise program; and education for both parent and child.

When to Seek Further Medical Help

Please consult your GP or paediatrician for severe unrelenting pain that does not improve with rest; significant redness, warmth, or swelling suggesting infection; night pain unrelated to activity; numbness, tingling, or weakness in the foot; or if you are unsure about the diagnosis.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only and is not intended as a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a registered health practitioner, especially for children. Individual results from osteopathic treatment may vary.