Understanding Sever's Disease in Kids

If you're a parent of an active, growing child, you might hear them complain of pain in the back of their heel, especially after practice or a game. It's easy to write off as a growing pain, but make no mistake, we at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists are trained to recognize the difference between them and Sever’s Disease. How do we do so? Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and our diagnostic process for this pediatric foot condition.

What Exactly is Sever's Disease?

There’s a growth plate in the heel, and with Sever's disease, that plate becomes inflamed. In fact, it’s a soft area of cartilage known at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. So, why does it inflame?

Sports! That’s why active kids mainly get it. Repeated stress from running, jumping, and other activities causes the Achilles tendon to pull on this sensitive growth plate. And it’s this constant pulling that leads to inflammation and pain.

Causes and Risk Factors of Sever’s Disease

The main culprit behind Sever's disease is repetitive stress. It’s incredibly common in active children between the ages of 8 and 14, which is when growth spurts are in full swing.

During a growth spurt, a child's bones can grow faster than their muscles and tendons, which can also lead to tight calf muscles. Other contributing factors include wearing unsupportive footwear that lacks cushioning, participating in high-impact sports like soccer or basketball, and training on hard surfaces.

That’s why child athletes should be practicing on grass, wearing the best of the best shoes with ankle support, and taking proper breaks.

How to Spot Sever’s Disease

Besides pain in the back of the heel, you might notice your child limping or even walking on their tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on it. The area may also be tender to the touch with some mild swelling.

How is Sever's Disease Diagnosed?

It's primarily a clinical diagnosis, meaning it's based on the child's symptoms and a physical examination of the foot. During the exam, we’ll squeeze the sides of the heel bone, and if there’s pain, it’s a strong indicator of Sever's disease.

X-rays are also taken not to confirm the diagnosis of Sever's, but to rule out other, more serious causes of heel pain like a fracture, tendon tear, or a bone tumor.

The good news is that Sever's disease is a temporary, self-limiting condition. It will go away on its own once the heel's growth plate has matured and fused, which is typically around the time your child stops growing.

For any podiatric concerns you’re dealing with, come see Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists for guidance and advice. You can schedule an appointment online or call today at 425-455-0936.