Sever's Disease

If your child complains of heel pain after sports or running around, they may be experiencing Sever’s disease, a common growth-related condition that affects active children and adolescents. The good news is that it’s temporary and treatable, and board-certified podiatrist Gaston Liu, DPM, offers personalized care at Gaston Mike Liu LLC in Commack, New York. Schedule your child’s evaluation by calling the office or booking one online today.

What is Sever’s disease? 

Sever’s disease is one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing children, occurring when the heel’s growth plate becomes inflamed and irritated. 

Growth plates are areas near the ends of your child’s bones where cartilage is developing. Because these areas are softer and still forming, they’re extra vulnerable to stress and injury. Heel pain may appear gradually or suddenly, particularly when they’re growing rapidly.

What causes Sever’s disease?

Children’s bones, muscles, and tendons don’t always grow at the same rate, and when the heel bone grows quickly, the Achilles tendon can become tight and place extra tension on the heel.

Several factors can contribute to this increased stress, including:

• High-impact sports and activities
• Rapid growth spurts
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
• Flat feet or high arches
• Wearing shoes with poor support

Any combination of these factors can place additional strain on your child’s developing heel, leading to irritation and inflammation.

What are the symptoms of Sever’s disease?

The most common symptom of Sever’s disease is heel pain during or after physical activity. Children may initially complain of heel pain after sports practice or games, with the discomfort gradually becoming more frequent.

Other common symptoms include:

• Tenderness at the back or bottom of the heel
• Limping or toe-walking to avoid pressure
• Stiffness in the foot or ankle
• Pain when squeezing the heel
• Symptoms easing with rest but returning with activity

The pain may occur in one heel or both.

How is Sever’s disease treated?

Dr. Liu focuses on reducing stress on the heel and allowing the growth plate to heal. Fortunately, most children improve with conservative treatments. He may recommend:

• Rest and activity modification to reduce impact on the heel
• Ice therapy to help decrease inflammation and pain
• Stretching exercises to relax the calf muscles and Achilles tendon
• Supportive footwear that cushions the heel
• Heel cups or orthotic inserts to absorb shock and relieve pressure
• Anti-inflammatory medications, if appropriate

In more severe cases, your child may need to wear a walking boot to temporarily immobilize the heel. Most children recover fully once the growth plate matures. 

If your child is experiencing lingering heel pain, schedule an evaluation at Gaston Mike Liu LLC by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.