Sever’s Disease

Sever's disease is the most common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who play sports or exercise regularly. Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, Sever's disease occurs when the growth plate in the back of the heel becomes inflamed and painful.

 

Symptoms of Sever's disease include:

  1. Pain in one heel or both heels (most children report pain in both heels).

  2. Tenderness and pain that gets worse with activities (especially jumping and running on hard surfaces) and improves with rest.

  3. Redness, swelling and irritation in the heels.

 

Managing and Treatment Plans

1. Immediate Pain Relief & Inflammation Control

✅ Rest & Activity Modification: Reduce activities that worsen the pain, such as running, jumping, and high-impact sports.
✅ Ice Therapy: Apply ice to the heel for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times per day, especially after activity.
✅ Anti-Inflammatory Medication: NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) may help with pain relief.
✅ Heel Pads or Cushions: Soft gel heel inserts can absorb shock and reduce pressure on the heel.

2. Stretching & Strengthening Exercises

💪 Calf Stretching:

  • Wall Stretch: Stand facing a wall with one foot forward and gently stretch the calf of the back leg.
  • Towel Stretch: While sitting, pull a towel around the toes to stretch the bottom of the foot.

🏋️ Foot Strengthening:

  • Toe Curls: Strengthen foot muscles by gripping a towel with the toes.
  • Heel Raises: Gently strengthen the Achilles tendon and foot muscles.

3. Footwear & Support

👟 Proper Shoes: Wear well-cushioned, supportive shoes with a slight heel lift. Avoid flat or unsupportive footwear.
🦶 Orthotics & Heel Lifts: Custom or over-the-counter heel lifts help reduce strain on the Achilles tendon.

4. Gradual Return to Activity

🏃‍♂️ Low-Impact Sports: Encourage activities like swimming or cycling until symptoms improve.
⚡ Strength & Mobility Training: Strengthen foot and leg muscles to prevent recurrence.

5. Medical Intervention (If Severe or Persistent)

🔹 Physical Therapy: If pain persists, a therapist can guide specific rehab exercises.
🔹 Casting or Immobilization: In rare cases, a walking boot may be used to allow healing.
🔹 Surgery: Not typically required, as Sever’s Disease resolves once growth plates close.

Recovery Timeline

⏳ Symptoms typically improve within a few weeks to months with proper care.
💡 The condition fully resolves once growth plates close (around age 14–16).