← Back to Conditions
🦶
Foot & Ankle

Sever's Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)

Sever's disease is a painful inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, common in physically active children between ages 8-14.

⏱️
Typical Recovery Time
2-8 weeks; resolves with skeletal maturity

Symptoms

  • •Heel pain during or after activity
  • •Tenderness at the back of the heel
  • •Limping
  • •Pain when squeezing the sides of the heel

Common Causes

  • •Rapid growth spurts
  • •Repetitive running and jumping
  • •Tight calf muscles
  • •Cleated footwear on hard surfaces

Treatment Options

1Rest and activity modification
2Ice after activity
3Heel cups or orthotics
4Calf stretching
5NSAIDs

When to See a Doctor

If your child has severe heel pain or cannot participate in normal activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sever’s disease?
Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated. It is often seen in active kids during growth spurts.
What causes Sever’s disease?
It is caused by repetitive stress on the heel from running and jumping. Tight calf muscles and rapid growth can increase strain on the growth plate. Sports like soccer and basketball are common triggers.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include heel pain during or after activity, tenderness at the back of the heel, and limping. Pain often improves with rest. Both heels can be affected.
How is it treated?
Treatment includes rest, stretching, heel cushions, and activity modification. Physical therapy may help improve flexibility. Symptoms usually resolve as the growth plate matures.
When can my child return to sports?
Children can return to sports once pain improves and they can run and jump without discomfort. Activity may need to be limited during flare-ups. Gradual return helps prevent recurrence.
Help us grow

No providers listed for Sever's Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis) yet

Know a great provider? Recommend them and we'll add them to our directory.

Know a great provider for Sever's Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)?
Help other patients find quality care for Sever's Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis).

Find a Sports Medicine Provider

Connect with a doctor, physical therapist, or imaging center near you.

Find a Provider for Sever's Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)