Is Your Child Complaining of Heel Pain? It Could Be More Than Growing Pains!
Does your child limp after sport or shy away from running due to sore heels? While it might be easy to dismiss it as “just growing pains,” persistent heel pain could be a sign of Sever’s disease—a common and treatable condition in active children.What Is Sever’s Disease?
Despite its name, Sever’s disease isn’t a disease at all. It’s a growth-related condition that affects the heel. Typically seen in children between 8 and 14 years old, it occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed, especially during periods of rapid development.
This area, where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, can become irritated when repeated stress is placed on it—especially during running, jumping, and other high-impact activities. While it sounds serious, Sever’s disease is temporary and treatable with the right care.Common Signs and Symptoms:
- Heel pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
- Tenderness at the back of the heel
- A limp or walking on tiptoes to avoid heel contact
- Pain during or after running, jumping, or playing sport
Symptoms can affect one or both heels and often fluctuate depending on the level of physical activity.What Causes Sever’s Disease?
During growth spurts, the heel bone can grow faster than the muscles and tendons around it. This mismatch in growth places extra tension on the Achilles tendon and its attachment point on the heel. When combined with regular physical activity, it can lead to inflammation and pain.Managing and Treating Sever’s Disease
Fortunately, Sever’s disease often responds well to conservative management, including:- Activity modification (e.g., reducing running or high-impact sports)
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Supportive footwear or heel cushions
- Ice and rest during painful flare-ups
Early intervention is key to reducing symptoms and preventing recurrence. In most cases, symptoms resolve within weeks to months.
What Is Sever’s Disease?
This area, where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, can become irritated when repeated stress is placed on it—especially during running, jumping, and other high-impact activities. While it sounds serious, Sever’s disease is temporary and treatable with the right care.
Common Signs and Symptoms:
- Heel pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
- Tenderness at the back of the heel
- A limp or walking on tiptoes to avoid heel contact
- Pain during or after running, jumping, or playing sport
What Causes Sever’s Disease?
During growth spurts, the heel bone can grow faster than the muscles and tendons around it. This mismatch in growth places extra tension on the Achilles tendon and its attachment point on the heel. When combined with regular physical activity, it can lead to inflammation and pain.Managing and Treating Sever’s Disease
Fortunately, Sever’s disease often responds well to conservative management, including:- Activity modification (e.g., reducing running or high-impact sports)
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Supportive footwear or heel cushions
- Ice and rest during painful flare-ups
Want to learn more about what causes Sever’s disease and how to help your child recover?
Understanding this condition can help your child stay active and confident on their feet.
For more specific advice, please book here.
Understanding this condition can help your child stay active and confident on their feet.
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