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OVERVIEW

What is Sever’s disease?

Sever’s disease occurs in children when the growth plate (which is the growing part of the heel) is injured. The foot is one of the first body parts to grow to full size. This usually occurs in early puberty. During this time, bones often grow faster than muscles and tendons. As a result, muscles and tendons become tight. The heel area is less flexible. During weight bearing activity (activity performed while standing), the tight heel tendons may put too much pressure at the back of the heel (where the Achilles tendon attaches). This can injure the heel and cause Sever’s disease.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

When is my child most at risk for Sever’s disease?

Your child is most at risk for this condition when they are in the early part of the growth spurt in early puberty. Sever’s disease is most common in physically active girls 8 years to 10 years of age and in physically active boys 10 years to 12 years of age. Soccer players and gymnasts often get Sever’s disease, but children who do any running or jumping activity may also be at an increased risk. Sever’s disease rarely occurs in older teenagers because the back of the heel has typically finished growing by 15 years of age.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How do I know if my child’s heel pain is caused by Sever’s disease?

In Sever’s disease, heel pain can be in one or both heels. It usually starts after a child begins a new sports season or a new sport. Your child may walk with a limp. The pain may increase when they run or jump. They may have a tendency to tiptoe. Your child’s heel may hurt if you squeeze both sides toward the very back. This is called the squeeze test. Your healthcare provider may also find that your child’s heel tendons have become tight.

TREATMENT

How is Sever’s disease treated?

First, your child should cut down or stop any activity that causes heel pain. Apply ice to the injured heel for 20 minutes 3 times a day. If your child has a high arch, flat feet or bowed legs, your healthcare provider may recommend orthotics, arch supports or heel cups. Your child should never go barefoot.

If your child has severe heel pain, medicines such as acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (some brand names: Advil, Motrin) may help.

Will stretching exercises help?

Yes, stretching exercises can help. It is important that your child performs exercises to stretch the hamstring and calf muscles, and the tendons on the back of the leg. The child should do these stretches 2 or 3 times a day. Each stretch should be held for about 20 seconds. Both legs should be stretched, even if the pain is only in 1 heel.

Your child also needs to do exercises to strengthen the muscles on the front of the shin. To do this, your child should sit on the floor, keeping his or her hurt leg straight. One end of a bungee cord or piece of rubber tubing is hooked around a table leg. The other end is hitched around the child’s toes. The child then scoots back just far enough to stretch the cord.

Next, the child slowly bends the foot toward his or her body. When the child cannot bend the foot any closer, they slowly point the foot in the opposite direction (toward the table). This exercise (15 repetitions of “foot curling”) should be done about 3 times. The child should do this exercise routine a few times daily.

When can my child play sports again?

With proper care, your child should feel better within 2 weeks to 2 months. Your child can start playing sports again only when the heel pain is gone. Your healthcare provider will let you know when physical activity is safe.

COMPLICATIONS

Are there any problems linked with Sever’s disease?

No long-term problems have been linked with Sever’s disease. However, contact your healthcare provider if your child’s heel pain does not get better with treatment, gets worse or if you notice changes in skin color or swelling.

PREVENTION

Can Sever’s disease be prevented?

Sever’s disease may be prevented by maintaining good flexibility while your child is growing. The stretching exercises pictured in the treatment section can lower your child’s risk for injuries during the growth spurt. Contact your healthcare provider for more advice. Good‑quality shoes with firm support and a shock-absorbent sole will help. Your child should avoid excessive running on hard surfaces.

If your child has already recovered from Sever’s disease, stretching and putting ice on the heel after activity will help keep your child from developing this condition again.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

• What could have caused my child’s symptoms?
• What is the best treatment option for my child?
• How long before my child can expect relief from their symptoms?
• When can my child return to their sport/activity?
• Is it possible that my child’s symptoms could return?
• Is it safe for my child to exercise? What kind of exercise should they do?