Is your child limping off the football field or basketball court with heel pain? Have you been told they need to stop playing sport for up to 12 months? If so, you’re not alone — and the good news is there’s a better way.
▶ Watch on YouTube: Severs Disease In Kids
What Is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease (also known as calcaneal apophysitis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain in active children, typically affecting kids aged 8–14. Despite the alarming name, it’s not actually a disease, it’s a growth plate condition that occurs when the Achilles tendon pulls on the still-developing heel bone during periods of rapid growth.
It’s most commonly seen in kids who play high-impact sports like football, soccer, basketball, and athletics. Essentially any activity that involves running, jumping, and repetitive heel loading.
Common Symptoms of Sever’s Disease
- Heel pain during or after sport
- Limping off the field or court
- Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed
- Tenderness at the back of the heel
- Stiffness first thing in the morning
Why “Just Rest” Isn’t Always the Answer
Traditionally, Sever’s disease has been managed with rest, stretching, and activity modification. While these approaches can help, they often come with a significant drawback: for kids who are passionate about their sport, telling them to sit on the sidelines for weeks, or even months, can be devastating.
And let’s be honest, getting kids to consistently do stretches and exercises? That’s its own challenge entirely.
At Sydney Foot Solutions, we see a high volume of Sever’s disease cases through our clinic, and our approach is focused on keeping kids active while effectively managing their pain.
Advanced Laser Therapy: A Game-Changer for Sever’s Disease
One of the most effective tools we use at Sydney Foot Solutions is advanced laser therapy, a pain-free, non-invasive treatment that targets the inflammatory response associated with growth plate irritation.
Here’s how it helps:
- Reduces inflammation at the growth plate — addressing the root cause of the pain, not just the symptoms
- Completely pain-free — kids don’t dread their appointments
- No downtime required — your child can often continue training around their treatment
- Faster recovery — meaning less time on the bench and more time doing what they love
This approach means we can significantly reduce your child’s pain without necessarily pulling them from the sport they love. Every case is different, and our podiatrists will assess your child and design a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, but keeping kids active is always the goal.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
When you visit Sydney Foot Solutions for Sever’s disease, our podiatrist Daniel Fitzpatrick will carry out a thorough assessment to confirm the diagnosis, understand the severity of the inflammation, and discuss your child’s sporting schedule and goals.
From there, we’ll build a management plan that may include laser therapy and footwear advice which gives your child the best chance of staying on the field.
Book Your Child’s Assessment — 60% Off
Right now, Sydney Foot Solutions is offering 60% off initial assessments for Sever’s disease. Don’t wait until the pain gets worse or the season is over. The sooner we assess your child, the sooner we can get them back to doing what they love — pain-free.
👉 Visit our website or call us today to book your child’s appointment. https://northernbeachesheelpainclinic.com.au/request-heel-pain-assessment/
