What is Sever’s disease?
Sever’s, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is irritation at the growing part of the heel bone. It’s common in active children around a growth spurt and can affect one or both heels. Running and jumping can bring it on, and some children walk on their toes or limp after training to avoid putting pressure through the heel.
Do we need to stop sport?
If your child is limping, let them sit out the activities that provoke it. You can often start by reducing running, jumping and back-to-back sessions and keeping activities that feel comfortable. Check whether their shoes or boots still fit, especially if they’ve recently gone up a size. A clinician may suggest a heel lift, stretching or another change based on the assessment and the sport.
As symptoms settle, build back gradually. Comfortable walking comes first, then short bouts of running, then the changes of direction, jumping and longer sessions their sport requires. Watch for limping or pain that returns later that day.
When should I get their heel checked?
Arrange an assessment if pain keeps returning, affects walking or keeps your child out of activities they enjoy. Seek urgent medical assessment for fever with heel pain, a hot and swollen heel, or inability to bear weight. Pain that wakes your child or persists at rest also warrants prompt review. Mention any recent injury, illness or change in training.
Related clinic service Children’s podiatry.