Sever's Disease
Growth-related heel pain in active children, typically between 8 and 14.
Sever's disease is irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel, and it's one of the most common reasons an active child limps after sport. It sounds alarming and isn't — it's self-limiting and settles as growth completes — but it can be genuinely painful, and load management shortens it considerably.
What we look at
Who gets it
Active children roughly 8 to 14, most often during a growth spurt and in sports with a lot of running and jumping.
What it feels like
Pain at the back of the heel during and after sport, sometimes limping, often tender when squeezed from the sides.
What helps
Managing training volume rather than stopping sport, calf strengthening and flexibility work, footwear with adequate heel cushioning, and a small heel raise where needed.
Prognosis
It resolves. The aim is keeping your child playing comfortably in the meantime rather than sitting out a season.
What to expect
Your appointment, stage by stage.
Assessment
History, physical examination, gait and movement analysis, and objective strength testing where it's relevant. We're building a picture of what the limb can currently tolerate.
Diagnosis
A clear explanation of what's happening and why — in plain language, with the reasoning shown. Imaging or onward referral where it will change the plan.
Treatment
A staged plan combining manual therapy, exercise prescription, footwear or orthotic support and activity modification, weighted to what your presentation actually needs.
Follow-up
Re-testing against the baseline so progress is measured, not assumed, and the plan adjusts as capacity improves.
Common questions
Sever's Disease, answered.
Does my child have to stop sport?
Usually not. More often we adjust how much and how often, which keeps them involved while symptoms settle.
Will it cause lasting damage?
No. Sever's is self-limiting and doesn't cause long-term problems.
How long does it last?
Weeks to months, in flare-ups that tend to track growth spurts and training load.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you're in pain, an assessment is the only way to know what's actually happening — book online or call 9284 0736.
