Sever’s disease (heel pain in children)
Why does my child’s heel hurt during and after sport?
The most common cause of heel pain in active children, related to growth. It settles as the heel finishes growing.
What it feels like
Pain at the back or bottom of the heel during and after running and jumping sports, sometimes with limping, usually in children aged about 8 to 14.
What is actually happening
Calcaneal apophysitis is irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel bone, where the Achilles tendon attaches, during periods of growth and high activity. It is not dangerous and settles once the heel finishes growing.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if heel pain is present at night or at rest, follows an injury, comes with swelling, redness or fever, or if your child is limping without sport.
How it is assessed
Assessment includes tenderness at the heel, the child’s sport and training load, calf flexibility and strength, and footwear.
How it is treated
A systematic review found that heel raises or orthoses, footwear advice and activity modification can reduce pain while helping children stay active. Treatment adjusts the amount of running and jumping, adds calf strengthening and flexibility, and reviews footwear for sport and school.
What to do first
Reduce the total load of running and jumping for now, check that sports shoes are supportive and not worn out, and have it assessed.
Where this is assessed
- The Runner's Academy St. Clair West · Mon/Wed/Fri · 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM Book at Runner's Academy
- Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres Yonge & Eglinton · Mon/Wed/Fri · 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Book at Athlete's Care
References
This page is based on the following clinical practice guidelines and research.