Sever's disease
Sever's disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It occurs primarily in young athletes, especially during periods of rapid growth, when the repetitive stresses of running, jumping, and changes of weight irritate the growth plate of the heel.
At PhysioUnion, we offer pediatric and sports physiotherapy for children and adolescents with heel pain consistent with Sever's disease. The goal is to reduce pain, adapt activities, improve flexibility and exercise tolerance, and then support a gradual return to sports.
What is Sever's disease?
Sever's disease is a painful irritation of the growth plate of the calcaneus, the heel bone. This area serves as the attachment point for the Achilles tendon. During growth, this region is more susceptible to mechanical stress, especially in active children. Repeated impacts with the ground, combined with the traction exerted by the Achilles tendon, can cause local inflammation and lead to heel pain.
This pain often occurs in children who participate in sports such as football, athletics, basketball, gymnastics, or other activities involving running, jumping, or changing direction. It can affect one or both heels and is often more pronounced during or after physical activity.
Common symptoms
The most common symptoms of Sever's disease are:
pain in the heel, back or under the foot
pain that increases with running, jumping, or prolonged walking
discomfort during or after sport.
sometimes a tendency to walk on tiptoe to avoid painful pressure
pain when the heel is compressed laterally or palpated
sometimes stiffness in the calf or Achilles tendon.
When to consult a doctor?
It is advisable to consult a doctor if your child has persistent heel pain, limps, limits their sports activities, or if the pain recurs regularly after training. An evaluation is also important when the pain is severe, has been present on one side for a long time, or if the condition does not appear to be improving. The diagnosis is often clinical, and imaging tests are not always necessary initially when the presentation is typical.
Evolution and prognosis
Sever's disease generally has a favorable prognosis. It is a growth-related condition that tends to disappear gradually over time, especially when stressors are better managed and growth progresses. Symptoms can last from several weeks to several months, sometimes with periods of improvement and relapse depending on the level of activity.
Care provided by PhysioUnion
At the PhysioUnion clinic in Prilly, near Lausanne, we offer individualized treatment for heel pain in children and adolescents, particularly in cases of Sever's disease, but also for other common issues such as Osgood-Schlatter disease, scoliosis, or sports-related pain. Sessions are tailored to the young patient's age, activity level, goals, and progress.
