Heel Pain from Sever's Disease

What is Sever's Disease?

Sever's disease is a common disease seen in growing children, that occurs in the growth plates of the calcaneal bone (the heel bone). The pain of sever's disease is felt in the heel and is caused by rapid growth of the bones. The bones of the feet tend to grow faster than the muscles and tendons and so cause them to tighten. One particular tendon that is tightened in Sever's disease is the achilles tendon which attaches to the calcaneal bone. The heel pain associated with sever's disease is often worse during physical activity and can effect both heels or just one.

What should I do about it?

• Avoid being bear-footed and use orthotics or arch supports.
• Try to cut down on the physical activities that cause pain.
• Do stretching exercises to strengthen muscles and stretch tight tendons.
• Ice heel(s) after physical activity and rest.

Sever's Disease is self limiting, meaning it will go away once the growth cycle of the bones is complete.