When Your Child’s Heel Hurts: Understanding Sever's Disease

There is nothing quite as heartbreaking for a parent as seeing your child sidelined from the activities they love. I see it so often in my office: a parent brings in their young athlete, maybe they are ten or twelve years old, who is limping, walking on their toes, or just crying because their heels hurt after soccer practice.

When I hear that story, the first thing I want to do is put both the parent and the child at ease. It is very common, and it is something I see frequently at Elk Grove Foot and Ankle Clinic. We often call it Sever’s disease, but I always reassure families right away: it is not a true disease at all. It is a growth-related condition called calcaneal apophysitis.

What is actually happening?

Think of your child’s heel bone as a work in progress. It isn’t fully developed until they reach their mid-teens. Before that happens, there is a small, vulnerable area at the back of the heel called the growth plate. When children go through growth spurts or participate in repetitive, high-impact activities like running, jumping, or playing sports in cleats, that growth plate can take a lot of stress. That stress leads to inflammation, which is the root of the pain.

How to spot it

If your child is complaining of pain in the back of their heel, or if you notice them limping or trying to avoid putting weight on their heel, it is time to take a look. Unlike adult heel pain, which often feels better after a few minutes of walking, Sever’s disease usually feels worse the more they move. If they are tired after a game or have trouble jumping, these are classic signs.

How we get them back on the field

My goal as a doctor is always to keep your child active, but sometimes we have to hit the pause button to let their body heal properly. Here is how we usually handle it:

• Rest: This is the hardest part for active kids, but sometimes the best medicine is simply giving the heel a break from the activity that is causing the strain.

• Support: I often find that the right shoe insert or a custom orthotic can provide the cushioning their heel needs to redistribute pressure.

• Physical Therapy: Sometimes we work on stretching exercises to take the tension off that tight Achilles tendon, which can make a world of difference.

• Managing Inflammation: We might use ice or anti-inflammatories to help them manage the day-to-day pain while they heal.

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A Note to Parents

I know how frustrating it is to see your child in pain, especially when they just want to play. Please know that this is a manageable condition. Even though it can sometimes recur because their bones are still growing, we can build a plan together to help them stay comfortable.

If you are worried about your child’s heel pain, please do not hesitate to bring them by the clinic. I would love to meet you both, talk through what is going on, and find the right path to get them back on their feet and doing what they love.

At Elk Grove Foot and Ankle Clinic, we treat your feet.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, podiatrist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.