Severs Disease Treatment
Severs Disease: Heel Pain in the Young Athlete
Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, particularly those active in sports. Despite its name, it’s not actually a disease but rather an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. It typically affects children between the ages of 8 and 14, during periods of rapid growth when bones grow faster than muscles and tendons can stretch to keep up. If your child is experiencing persistent heel pain that’s affecting their ability to play sports or stay active, book an appointment with True Physio today and help them get back to doing what they love.
The condition occurs at the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon attaches to the growing bone. During physical activity, especially running, jumping, and sports that involve quick direction changes, repeated stress on this area causes inflammation and pain. The pain is typically worse during and after activity and often improves with rest.
Severs Disease Symptoms include:
- Heel pain, particularly at the back or bottom of the heel
- Pain that worsens with running, jumping, or sporting activities
- Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid heel pressure
- Pain when the heel is squeezed from both sides
- Tenderness when touching the back of the heel
- Stiffness in the feet upon waking in the morning
- Swelling and redness around the heel (in some cases)
The good news is, with the right treatment and support, Severs disease can be managed effectively, allowing young athletes to continue participating in sports with appropriate modifications while the condition resolves naturally as they finish growing.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Severs Disease
Physiotherapy is the cornerstone of effective Severs Disease management. It addresses both the pain and the underlying factors contributing to the condition, helping young athletes recover while maintaining their fitness and activity levels where possible.
- Stretching and flexibility work are essential components of treatment
- Strengthening exercises help support the heel and improve overall lower limb function.
- Activity modification guidance is crucial for managing symptoms while keeping children active.
- Footwear assessment and advice ensure your child is wearing appropriate shoes with good cushioning and support.
- Massage therapy techniques can help reduce muscle tightness and improve tissue flexibility.
Your physiotherapist will also educate both you and your child about load management, understanding when to push forward and when to rest, ensuring a balanced approach that promotes healing without unnecessary frustration.
Treatment plans are always tailored to your child’s specific sport, training schedule, and symptoms. The goal isn’t just pain relief, it’s helping your young athlete stay involved in activities they love while their body completes its natural growth process safely.
For comprehensive care of sports related injuries, explore our Sports Injury Physiotherapy services, where we explore how we support athletes of all ages back to peak performance.
How True Physio Can Help
At True Physio, we understand the unique needs of young athletes and growing bodies. We begin with a thorough assessment to understand not just your child’s heel pain, but also their training load, sport demands, footwear, biomechanics, and growth stage. Our physiotherapists are qualified to diagnose and treat Severs disease, however we may need to refer or collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure your child receives the best and most effective treatment.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to treating active children. That’s why we build treatment plans around your child’s individual needs, their sport, and their goals. We work closely with young athletes to help them understand their condition and take ownership of their recovery. We also communicate with parents, coaches, and trainers to ensure everyone is on the same page about activity modifications and return-to-play timelines. We’re here to help your child feel empowered, not sidelined. Education is a core part of what we do, so both you and your child will leave each session knowing exactly what to do to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Book your appointment today and give your young athlete the expert care they deserve at True Physio
