Sever’s disease, or calcaneus apophysitis, is a condition causing heel pain in children, particularly if they are going through a growth spurt or have started a sports season. They may experience repetitive pulling forces of the Achilles tendon on the growth plate of the heel bone (also called the calcaneus apophysis). This leads to inflammation of the growth plate and results in heel pain. Kids may feel this pain in 1 or both heels.

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain where Achilles tendon attaches to heel bone
• Tight Achilles tendon (assessed by a physiotherapist)
• Tenderness when the heel is compressed from both sides
• Increased pain after physical activity like jumping or running

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Symptoms of Sever’s disease normally resolve within a few weeks to 2 months when managed appropriately. A physiotherapist can help your child manage Sever’s disease by:

• Assessing movement of joints in the leg
• Assessing running, jumping, and walking patterns
• Introducing a stretching program
• Educating on balancing sports with rest breaks