Sever's Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
What is Sever’s Disease?
Understanding the condition
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is one of the most common causes of heel pain in children and adolescents, particularly active children who participate in sports. This condition develops when the heel growth plate becomes irritated by repetitive stress, resulting in growth plate heel pain and inflammation. Children may experience heel pain after sports, heel pain while running, heel tenderness, or a painful heel in a child, which can lead to a limping child or even walking on toes to avoid discomfort. Although Sever’s disease is temporary and usually resolves as growing children reach skeletal maturity and the growth plate closes, early Sever’s disease treatment can reduce pain, support recovery, and help children return safely to physical activity.
When to suspect Sever’s disease?
Signs & Symptoms
Heel pain or tenderness
Pain when squeezing the sides of the heel
Limping or walking on toes
How We Diagnose Sever's Disease
Diagnosis is based on a detailed physical examination and a review of activity level and growth patterns. The doctor checks for heel tenderness, tight calf muscles, and pain with pressure on the growth plate. X-rays are typically not required unless another condition needs to be ruled out.
How is Sever’s Disease treated?
How We Heal Sever's Disease
- Rest and activity modification, reducing or pausing high-impact activities until symptoms improve.
- Ice therapy, applied to the heel after activity to ease pain and swelling.
- Heel cups or cushioned orthotics, to absorb shock and reduce stress on the heel.
- Stretching exercises, targeting the calf muscles and Achilles tendon to relieve tension.
- Anti-inflammatory medications, for short-term pain and inflammation control.
How is surgery performed?
We ARE Specialized in foot & ankle health
Expert Care You Can Trust
At The Modern Podiatry Foot and Ankle Surgery Clinic in Amman, Dr. Malek Abu Al Nadi, a dedicated foot and ankle specialist and Sever’s disease specialist, combines advanced diagnostics, evidence-based Sever’s disease treatment, and personalized rehabilitation programs to help children with heel pain return safely to sports and everyday activities. As a trusted pediatric foot specialist, he develops individualized care plans that promote healing while supporting healthy foot development.
