Heel pain can be frustrating for anyone, but it’s especially challenging for kids who are constantly on the move. It often appears after running, jumping, or spending long hours on their feet, making it difficult to enjoy their usual activities.
One common cause is Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis). While the name may sound serious, it’s a temporary condition that heals with rest and proper care. Here’s an in-depth look at what you can expect.
What Is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease is a repetitive strain injury that causes inflammation to the growth plate in your child’s heel. The heel growth plate is a layer of cartilage that allows the heel bone to lengthen, and it’s vulnerable to irritation from repetitive stress during growth spurts, in which the bones, muscles, and tendons grow at different rates.
Causes and Symptoms of Sever’s Disease
Since muscles and tendons grow more slowly than bone, they can become tight and pull on the growth plate in the heel. This is common for those aged 8 to 14. The growth plate closes at the end of puberty, when it turns into solid bone. Activities that involve running and jumping add more strain. Less commonly, Sever’s disease can develop from standing for long periods of time.
Symptoms of Sever’s disease include:
- Pain in one or both heels
- Pain when the heel is squeezed
- Redness or swelling in the heel
- Limping or walking on tiptoes
- Stiffness in the feet after sleeping
Diagnosis and Testing
Doctors diagnose Sever’s disease through a physical exam. A podiatrist will gently press on the foot to determine where the pain is coming from, and they may ask your child to walk, run, or jump. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs may be ordered to rule out other causes of heel pain, like a stress fracture.
Treatment and Recovery
With proper management, Sever’s disease typically goes away within two months. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, easing pain, and preventing future strain.
- Rest: Your child will need to take a break from vigorous activities for several days or weeks. Kids can play sports again when it doesn’t cause any pain.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Ice Therapy: Put ice or a cold pack on the heel every 1 to 2 hours for 15 minutes at a time. Place a towel over the skin first to protect it from the cold.
- Foot Support: Supportive orthotics or open-back shoes can help reduce pressure on the heel.
- Compression: An elastic wrap or compression stocking may help with pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon and strengthening exercises for the legs and feet can help.
- Immobilization: If symptoms are severe or don’t improve after a few weeks, your podiatrist may recommend a short leg cast for about a week to limit heel movement.
Find Relief at The Foot & Ankle Center
If your child is experiencing heel pain or showing signs of Sever’s disease, the team at The Foot & Ankle Center can help. Our experienced podiatrists provide gentle, effective care to relieve discomfort and get kids back to the activities they love. Schedule an appointment today to explore treatment options tailored to your child’s needs.