Heel Pain in Children – Sever’s Apophysitis
Sever's Calcaneal Apophysitis
Calcaneal apophysitis (commonly known as Sever’s disease) is a condition that affects the growth plate (apophysis) in your child’s calcaneus (heel).
It can be a very painful and debilitating condition as it will regularly prevent children from participating in their favourite activities: whether that be football, netball, basketball, dancing, or any other sports or physical activity.
As scary as the name may sound, it is not a disease, but an overuse condition.
Important Note: If the child is unable to put their foot on the floor at all, or they are woken during the night with the pain, please see a doctor immediately.
Common in 8 to 14 Year Olds
Calcaneal apophysitis is most common between the ages 8 to 14 and is more common in boys than girls.
Although every child goes through the stage of having an open growth plate in their heel, not every child will develop pain.
Due to its location on the very back of the heel, and with a strong (and often tight) Achilles tendon attaching to it, this growth plate is susceptible to irritation and inflammation.
If this occurs, your child may complain of heel pain, that can worsen with physical activities and can result in them limping.
Children More Likely to Develop Sever’s Will Have:
Tight calf muscles and achilles tendon
Over-pronated feet
High arch feet
Play explosive sports such as soccer, football, gymnastics and ballet where the footwear is often very flat and activities with high impact
Hard playing surfaces, lots of barefoot running
Sudden increase in activity (start of sport season)
Poor footwear (lack of cushioning and support)
Treatment for Sever's
Some of the treatment methods effective in reducing pain from Sever’s are:
Inserting heel raises into shoes to reduce the tension of the Achilles tendon
Calf stretches – these need to be done very carefully as they can increase pain in the acute stage.
Ice applied for 15 minutes after the activity which flares the pain.
Custom foot orthotics are helpful when there is a biomechanical component such as low arched foot type.
Relative rest – reducing activities which cause the pain.
Strapping to splint the foot and ankle and reduce stress on the area.
Get Your Child Pain Free
Your podiatrist is best equipped to diagnose calcaneal apophysitis and work out the best treatment plan for you or your child.
With correct treatment someone with Sever’s will be getting back to their favourite activity often within a few weeks.
If you have a child who needs help with their heel pain, call 3351 8878 and let one of our experienced podiatrists get them back to being pain free.
