Sever's Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)

Sever’s disease presents as painful heels (or heel) in active, growing children, mostly between the ages of 8 and 13, and even up to 15 in some cases.

In children with this condition, it’s typical to notice them limping or running awkwardly to try and avoid landing on their heels, particularly while they’re playing sport, and for a short time afterwards.

 

Sever’s can be caused by increasing participation in sport and/or biomechanical issues, particularly while experiencing a growth phase. Either way, the excessive load on the growth plate at the back of the heel causes irritation and inflammation at the site, which leads to pain.

 

If you think that your child might have Sever’s, the good news is that in most cases it can be easily managed with one or a combination of conservative therapies, so you can get back to watching them get back to doing what they enjoy most!