Sever's Disease

Sever’s disease is one of the most common causes of heel pain in children aged 8-14. At Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic,  Joseph Hall, DPM and the highly trained team diagnose and treat Sever’s disease to eliminate foot pain and restore mobility, particularly among kids. Schedule an evaluation with  Dr. Joseph Hall, DPM (Foot and Ankle Specialist) at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic in Mill Creek, WA  by phone or request one online today.

What is Sever's disease?

Sever’s disease is an injury that leads to heel pain in children. The discomfort worsens during high-impact activities, such as playing sports, due to pressure placed on a growth plate in their heels. Growth plates consist of the cartilage between bones in kids and teeangers that eventually harden into bone. 

Which symptoms can Sever’s disease cause?

Sever’s disease can lead to:

• Pain in one or both of the heels
• Walking on the toes
• Walking with a limp
• Tenderness
• Pain that worsens with physical activity
• Pain that gets better with rest
• Swelling
• Irritation 
• Redness

The symptoms of Sever’s disease are similar to those of shin splints or plantar fasciitis. Its symptoms could last until a child is fully grown, after the growth plates close. However, Sever’s disease doesn’t cause permanent damage. 

What are the risk factors for Sever’s disease?

Sever’s disease risk factors include:

• Being a child aged 8-14
• Frequent jumping and running, particularly on hard surfaces
• Overweight and obesity
• High-impact sports (volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, etc.)
• Non-supportive shoes
• Repeated physical stress to the heel
• Overtraining
• Being male

Boys are somewhat more likely to develop Sever’s disease than girls. This condition often appears during growth spurts when bones, muscles, cartilage, and tendons grow more rapidly.

How is Sever’s disease diagnosed?

The Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic experts examine the feet and heels, discuss your child’s medical history, and review their symptoms to determine if they might have Sever's disease. 

They place gentle pressure on the foot and heel and often order X-rays, an MRI, or other imaging procedures to confirm a diagnosis, rule out fractures and similar conditions, and create a customized treatment plan. 

How is Sever’s disease treated in children?

Treating Sever’s disease at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic may consist of:

• Rest
• Ice
• Over-the-counter medicine
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy exercises
• Immobilization (splint or cast)
• Supportive shoes
• Custom 3D printed prescription orthotics

Your child should take a break from vigorous activities for a few days or weeks until the pain subsides. 

Can I reduce the risk of Sever’s disease in my child?

Ways to lessen the risk of painful Sever’s disease symptoms include maintaining a healthy body weight, taking periodic breaks from strenuous exercise, eating nutritious foods, and staying physically active. Your child should wear comfortable footwear that’s appropriate for specific sports training and consider cross training by combining high-intensity activities with lower impact training. 

Schedule an appointment at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic by phone or request one online today to get your child evaluated for Sever’s disease.