Sever’s Disease (Heel Pain) in Active Kids

A Physiotherapist’s Guide for Parents and Young Athletes

Heel pain in children is common — especially in kids who play sport regularly. One of the most frequent causes we see at True Active Physiotherapy in Dingley Village is Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis.

Although the name sounds serious, Sever’s disease is not dangerous and does not cause long-term damage. With the right physiotherapy approach, most kids can continue enjoying sport while their symptoms settle.

What Is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease is a growth-related heel condition that affects children and adolescents, typically between 8 and 14 years of age.

It occurs at the growth plate at the back of the heel bone (calcaneus), where the Achilles tendon attaches. During periods of rapid growth, this area can become irritated by repeated pulling forces — particularly with running and jumping activities.

Key points for parents:

• Sever’s disease is not a fracture

• It does not cause permanent damage

• It is temporary and manageable

• It does require appropriate load management

Which Kids Are Most at Risk?

Sever’s disease is more common in children who:

• Are going through a growth spurt

• Train or compete multiple times per week

• Experience a sudden increase in training or games

• Play high-impact or running-based sports

We frequently see Sever’s disease in young athletes playing:

• Soccer

• AFL

• Basketball

• Netball

• Athletics

• Gymnastics

Symptoms often appear during pre-season, tournaments, or periods of high training load.

Common Symptoms of Sever’s Disease

Parents often notice:

• Pain at the back or underside of the heel

• Heel pain that worsens during or after sport

• Limping after training or games

• Pain with running, jumping, or pushing off

• Stiffness or discomfort first thing in the morning

• Sensitivity when squeezing the sides of the heel

Pain may affect one or both heels.

Common Myths About Heel Pain in Kids

❌ “They just need to stop sport completely”

❌ “They should push through the pain”

❌ “It will settle on its own without management”

In reality, the best outcomes come from modifying training loads, not complete rest or ignoring symptoms.

How Physiotherapy Helps Manage Sever’s Disease

At True Active Physiotherapy, our approach focuses on keeping kids active where safe, while reducing stress on the heel during growth.

Physiotherapy management may include:

• Guidance on training and game loads

• Activity modification rather than full rest

• Calf, foot, and lower-limb strength development

• Review of running and jumping mechanics

• Footwear advice and heel load strategies

• Pain-management strategies for school and sport

• Education for parents, athletes, and coaches

Our goal is not just pain relief, but helping young athletes move confidently and develop safely through growth spurts.

Can Kids Keep Playing Sport With Sever’s Disease?

In many cases, yes — with adjustments.

Whether a child can continue playing depends on:

• Pain levels during and after activity

• How quickly symptoms settle

• Total weekly training volume

• Stage of growth and recovery

Some children may:

• Continue training with reduced volume

• Temporarily limit games while maintaining skill work

• Cross-train during flare-ups

Decisions are guided by symptoms and function, not scans.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

A physiotherapy assessment is recommended if:

• Heel pain lasts longer than 2–3 weeks

• Your child is limping or avoiding activity

• Pain is worsening despite rest

• Symptoms keep returning during the season

• You’re unsure how much sport is safe

Early intervention often prevents months of ongoing heel pain.

How We Help at True Active Physiotherapy

At True Active, we regularly work with junior and adolescent athletes managing growth-related injuries such as Sever’s disease.

Athena has a special interest in working with children and teenagers, particularly those navigating heel, knee, and lower-limb pain during growth spurts. Her approach focuses on:

• Keeping kids active and confident

• Smart training and game load management

• Age-appropriate strength and movement development

• Clear education for parents and coaches

• Preventing recurring flare-ups across the season

  
  

Book a Junior Heel Pain Assessment With Athena

If your child is struggling with heel pain during sport, early physiotherapy guidance can make a big difference.

Athena works closely with young athletes and their families to:

• Reduce heel pain safely

• Decide how much sport is appropriate

• Prevent recurring symptoms

• Support long-term athletic development

👉 Book a junior heel pain assessment with Athena at True Active Physiotherapy in Dingley Village