Sever's disease is one of the most common causes of heel pain in active children. It typically affects kids between the ages of 8 and 14 who play sports that involve running and jumping.
Sever's Disease in Kids
Learn About the Condition Affecting Active Children
The condition occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated due to repeated stress. While the name sounds serious, Sever's disease is a temporary condition that usually improves as the growth plate matures. Understanding the symptoms and supporting your child's feet with the right footwear can help reduce discomfort and keep them active.
Symptoms of Sever's Disease in Children
Parents often notice symptoms during or after sport.
Common signs include:
- Heel pain during running or jumping
- Pain at the back or bottom of the heel
- Limping after activity
- Stiffness or tenderness in the heel
- Pain that improves with rest
Some children may also complain of heel pain after sports practice or games, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
How to Know if Your Child Has Sever's Disease
Parents often first notice symptoms after their child complains of heel pain during sport.
A common test used by doctors is the heel squeeze test, where gentle pressure on both sides of the heel may reproduce the pain.
If your child experiences persistent heel pain, especially during periods of growth, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional such as a podiatrist, physiotherapist or GP.
What Causes Sever's Disease?
Sever's disease develops when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated.
This can happen when:
- Children experience rapid growth
- The Achilles tendon pulls on the heel bone
- Repetitive running or jumping places stress on the heel
- Footwear does not provide enough cushioning or support
Active sports such as football, athletics, basketball and running can increase the risk.
Treatment for Sever's Disease
Most children recover fully with simple treatment strategies.
Common approaches include:
- Rest from high-impact sports
- Stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon
- Applying ice after activity
- Wearing supportive shoes with cushioning
- Using heel cups or orthotics if recommended
Supportive footwear can help reduce the load placed on the heel during sport. Shop supportive kid's shoes like the GT-2000, GT-1000, and the GEL-KAYANO 32
Best Shoes for Sever's Disease
When children experience heel pain, footwear that provides cushioning and stability can help reduce stress on the heel.
Look for shoes with:
- Good heel cushioning
- Supportive midsoles
- Secure heel fit
- Shock absorption for running and jumping
ASICS kids running shoes are designed with cushioning technologies that help absorb impact during sport and play. Learn more about what to look for in kid's shoes.
Advice from a Podiatrist
To help parents better understand heel pain in children, we asked a podiatrist for expert insight.
"Symptoms typically occur during a period of growth in kids, particularly between the ages of eight and fourteen years old. Sever’s disease is caused by irritating the growth plate at the back of the heel. This irritation is thought to be due to a tight or overused achilles tendon that continues to pull on the back of the heel. If you suspect that your child has Sever’s disease, we highly recommend that you book an appointment with your Podiatrist
In the meantime, you can:
Rest the feet and legs, avoid physical activity and any other activities that cause your kids pain at the back of the heel
Use an ice pack to help reduce swelling and pain. Make sure you don’t apply the ice for too long (up to 20 minutes every 2 hours) and that the ice does not come in direct contact with the skin (i.e. wrap in a towel)
Wear supportive shoes to help support and stabilise the foot. Avoid walking with bare feet and wearing low-set shoes"
- Advice by Rachael Harper, Podiatrist, Align health chairperson, PodiatryNZ.