Sever's disease, also known as apophysitis, is one of the most common causes of heel pain in children between the ages of 8 and 15. The condition is harmless and temporary, but it can cause intense pain during activity. Proper cushioning and shock absorption can make a big difference in a child's daily life.
What is Sever's disease?
Sever's disease is an overload of the growth plate of the heel in children and adolescents. When the load becomes too high in combination with a period of rapid growth, irritation can occur in the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone.
The condition occurs because the growth plate is weaker than the tendons and muscles during childhood. The pain can vary over time, but usually goes away once the child has fully grown. Sever's disease is similar to Osgood-Schlatter disease of the knee and can sometimes occur at the same time.
Symptoms
- Heel pain when straining, especially during sports
- Soreness and sometimes slight swelling over the heel
- The child limps or does not dare to put the heel down fully.
- The child may sometimes walk more on tiptoe to relieve pressure on the heel.
- Periods with more or less discomfort
Sever's disease symptoms are often exacerbated in situations where the heel is subjected to repeated impact or high stress. Many children experience less pain when wearing shoes with shock absorption, while walking barefoot on hard floors can make the symptoms more pronounced.
When does Sever's disease hurt the most?
The pain of Sever's disease often occurs in certain situations where the heel is put under more strain.
When running and jumping
Activities with repeated impact, such as soccer or gymnastics, are common triggers.
After training or a match
The child may feel more pain after the activity than during the exercise itself.
When the child walks barefoot on a hard floor
Without shoes and shock absorption, the pressure on the heel increases.
Common causes & risk factors
Children aged 8–15 are most at risk because the growth plate in the heel is weaker than the tendons and ligaments. The combination of intense training, little variety in activities, and limited rest increases the risk.
Tight calf muscles, rapid growth, and activities involving a lot of jumping or rapid changes in direction can also contribute to the development of the injury. The problem often affects active children, but children with lower activity levels can also experience problems.
When should you seek medical attention?
If the child has persistent or severe pain that affects everyday activities, healthcare should be contacted for an assessment. However, it is important to emphasize that Sever's disease is completely harmless and temporary.
Recommended protection & support
In the case of Sever's disease, the right protection and relief can contribute to reduced pain and increased comfort in everyday life and sports. A specially designed heel cup for children can provide effective relief in the case of Sever's injury.
The heel cup absorbs shock with each step and collects the fat pad under the heel for increased support. The effect is a softer heel strike and often direct pain relief. The heel cup can be used in both shoes and socks, for example, at school or during leisure time.
For best results, it should be sized so that it properly surrounds the heel and provides optimal shock absorption combined with stability.
See all braces and supports that can relieve Sever's disease
Related injuries
For more information about the foot and heel, you can read more in the Injury Guide Foot & Heel. You can also go to the Injury Guide main page to read about other injuries and symptoms.
