Podiatry
Sever's Disease
Inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel, common in active children and adolescents aged 8 to 14.
Sever's disease, also known as “Severs” or calcaneal apophysitis, is a common condition in children and adolescents that develops between the ages of 8 and 14. It's an inflammation of the growth plate at the heel and usually resolves with time as your child moves through puberty.
During childhood, before the bones of the foot have fully matured, part of the heel bone is still made up of softer, more flexible fibrocartilage rather than solid bone. This area, called the apophysis growth plate, is rich in blood vessels that feed its growth — but this also makes it a common site of injury, given the powerful pulling forces from the Achilles tendon, its comparatively weaker structure, and its sensitive blood vessel network.
Sever's is thought to stem from a growth spurt in the lower legs, where the shin bones lengthen faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons can keep up. As a result, the Achilles tendon becomes relatively tighter, placing greater tension on the sensitive growth plate and causing it to become swollen and painful.
Activities such as running and jumping, and sports involving studded shoes, can aggravate this condition by placing extra pressure on the point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. While it can be uncomfortable for your child, the pain resolves with time once the heel bone matures and solidifies.
Risk factors
- Sudden changes in height and weight
- An increase in activity levels — whether volume, intensity, or frequency
- High-impact sports involving running and jumping
- Flat, minimalist footwear
- A flat foot posture
Common symptoms
- Pain or tenderness in the heel, especially during or after sport
- Limping
- Tight calf muscles
- Heel discomfort that worsens when the foot is flexed
- Walking on the toes
Assessment & treatment
Outlook
Sever's is a common, self-limiting condition that resolves with time. It can't be prevented, but it usually doesn't cause long-term complications. Symptoms can come and go over a period of months to a few years, so a guided home management plan is key to minimising flare-ups during this time.
Treatment
There's no single treatment that fits every child. Management of Sever's is individually tailored based on the severity of symptoms, activity load, and the child's age and needs. Treatment aims to manage symptoms until the condition self-resolves with time, and may include:
Treatment may include:
- Education on self-managing symptoms and flare-ups
- Temporary activity modification — limiting pain-causing sports for a period
- Avoiding calf stretches, which can increase tension on the heel
- Changing to wider-fitting footwear
- Remedial massage or dry needling
- Orthotics (medical shoe inserts) to correct foot posture, relieve Achilles tension, and improve cushioning
How Simba Health treats Sever's Disease
Our podiatry clinicians assess the cause of your symptoms and build a personalised, evidence-based plan to treat Sever's Disease. With no GP referral required and initial appointments from $109, you can start care quickly at a clinic near you.
Podiatry near you
Frequently asked questions
No. You can book podiatry directly at Simba Health with no GP referral, so you can start treatment for Sever's Disease without delay. Initial appointments start from $109. A referral may still help if you're claiming under a care plan.
Sever's Disease is treated under our podiatry service, with initial consultations from $109 and lower follow-up fees. We keep our pricing transparent so you know what to expect before your appointment.
Our podiatry clinicians assess the underlying cause of your symptoms, then build a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan for Sever's Disease. Many people start to notice improvement once the right plan is underway.
Not sure this is right for you?
Call us and we'll help you find the right service and clinician for your needs.
(02) 9188 0544