Sever’s - Understanding Heel Pain in Active Children

This condition is a common source of heel discomfort in children aged 8-14 and occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed. It is often triggered by repetitive stress, particularly during growth spurts. 

Recognising the Symptoms 

Parents and carers should watch for: 

• Pain at the back of the heel during or after physical activity 

• Tenderness or swelling around the heel 

• Limping or favouring one foot over the other 

How Physiotherapy Can Help 

Our physiotherapists have completed extensive training with Angela Jackson and our accredited practitioners with KidsBack2Sport and use a tailored approach to manage Sever’s and help kids return to sport safely: 

• Activity Adjustment: Temporarily reducing high-impact activities to allow the heel to recover 

• Stretching & Strengthening: Exercises for the calf muscles and Achilles tendon to support the heel 

• Footwear Guidance: Recommendations for supportive shoes and shock-absorbing insoles 

• Gradual Return to Sport: Step-by-step increase in activity to prevent recurrence 

Tips for Preventing Sever’s 

Helping your child avoid Sever’s involves a few simple steps: 

• Keep calf and hamstring muscles flexible with regular stretching 

• Avoid sudden increases in training intensity or duration 

• Choose well-fitting, supportive footwear suitable for their sport 

With early recognition and proper care, children with Sever’s disease can recover effectively and continue enjoying the sports they love. Physiotherapy can make the process smoother, ensuring safe movement and reducing the risk of ongoing discomfort.