Our Skilled Foot Doctor at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates Explains the Pain of Sever’s Disease in Young Athletes
Many young people enjoy participating in basketball, soccer, football, tennis, and other fast-paced sports. However, for some young athletes, these activities may lead to a painful condition called Sever’s disease. Also known as calcaneus apophysitis, Sever’s disease is an inflammation at the back of the heel growth plate in growing children often caused by repetitive stress placed on the heel. Because of the intensity of the pain, it can sideline many devoted and dedicated athletes and cause parents and coaches to be baffled. 
Our dedicated team at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates has helped hundreds of young athletes with Sever’s disease, and we can help treat your child so they can return to their sports program as quickly as possible. Here, our team discusses the symptoms of this condition and treatment options.
Understanding Sever’s Disease
Sever's disease is a condition that affects children during growth spurts when tendons, muscles, and bones develop at different rates. This can lead to reduced flexibility and tightness, particularly in the Achilles tendon. Because this tendon is attached to the heel bone, it can pull on the growth plate and cause pain and inflammation. Sever’s disease is especially common in children, ages 8 – 14, who participate in high-impact activities, particularly sports that involve jumping and running.
The primary symptom of Sever's disease is heel pain, and continued activity worsens the pain. After games or practice sessions, your child may complain of soreness, tenderness, or discomfort in one or both heels. To avoid placing pressure on their heels, your child may begin to limp or walk on their toes.
The Signs and Symptoms of Sever's Disease
If your child is involved in school sports, it’s important that you be able to identify the symptoms of Sever’s disease so you can get them to a podiatrist quickly, which can help in your child’s recovery. Our podiatrist, Dr. Benjamin Weaver, recommends that along with pain, you watch for the following signs and symptoms:
- Redness and swelling. Not only will your child likely feel pain from Sever’s disease, there may also be swelling and redness at the heel area.
- Morning stiffness. If your child has Sever’s disease, they may feel a stiffness in their heels when they get up in the morning.
- Sides of the heel are painful. A simple test to perform at home is to squeeze your child’s heel on the sides. If your child feels pain, it’s another sign that they may have Sever’s disease.
- Change in the way your child walks. When your child has Sever’s disease, they will likely try to alleviate the pain in any way they can. Ultimately, they may develop a limp or begin walking on their tiptoes to alleviate the pressure on their heel.
Treatment Options for Young Athletes With Sever's Disease
The main goals in treating Sever’s disease are to reduce the pain and inflammation in the heel, promote healing, and prevent future occurrences. At Central Kansas Podiatry Associates, we will recommend a range of treatment options and offer education and guidance tailored to each young athlete's specific needs, including the following:
- Rest and modify activity levels. The best first step to treat Sever’s disease is to reduce or modify the activities that cause the pain. Your podiatrist will not typically recommend total rest; however, they may recommend lower-impact activities that allow your child to maintain their fitness while allowing the heel to recover. Your podiatrist may suggest swimming or cycling as an alternative.
- Use ice. Applying ice to your child’s heel can help in reducing inflammation and pain. Especially after your child has had a tough workout or training session, ice can be especially helpful.
- Exercises. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve the flexibility in the Achilles tendon and the surrounding muscles. Your podiatrist can explain the proper exercises for your child’s specific symptoms, and they are critical as part of your child’s treatment program and for preventing future occurrences.
- Wear the right shoes. It’s important for your child to wear shoes with cushioning and good arch support. Both can help reduce the stress and pressure on the heel. Your podiatrist may recommend orthotics that will help provide additional support.
- Physical therapy. For some patients, physical therapy may be helpful if there are underlying structural issues in the foot.