Clinical Portal 2026 Dr. Murali Gopal
Parent guide

Sever's Disease / Heel Pain

Heel pain during growth can be activity-related, but inability to walk, fever, swelling, injury, or night pain needs review.

Parent Guide Draft

Dr. Murali Gopal

Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)

Sever's disease is often temporary but can recur during growth. Activity advice should stay symptom-guided and general unless a clinician gives a specific plan.

What parents should know

Sever's disease is irritation of the heel growth plate. It is a common cause of heel pain in active children, especially around growth spurts.

This guide cannot diagnose heel pain or rule out fracture, infection, inflammatory disease, nerve problems, or other causes.

What parents may notice

  • Heel pain that builds up with running or jumping.
  • Pain may improve with rest.
  • Tenderness at the back or underside of the heel.
  • Symptoms are often seen in active school-age children around growth spurts.

Practical home support

  • Reduce painful impact activities for a short period.
  • Use supportive cushioned shoes.
  • Ice after activity may reduce soreness.
  • Gentle stretching should be used only if advised and painless.
  • Seek review if pain is severe, unusual, or not settling.

Red flags / when to seek medical review

Seek medical review promptly if any concerning features occur:
  • Severe pain or inability to walk or bear weight.
  • Pain after significant injury, deformity, or severe swelling.
  • Fever, redness, warmth, or child looking unwell.
  • Numbness, weakness, persistent night pain, or pain at rest.
  • Pain that does not improve despite reducing painful activity.

Important facts for parents

  • Typical Sever's disease is not a cracked heel bone.
  • Symptoms can come and go during growth.
  • Return to sport should be guided by symptoms and clinical advice, not by this guide alone.

Medical disclaimer

General education only. This guide does not replace medical consultation, diagnosis, examination, or individualized treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. Seek urgent care for red-flag symptoms. Final clinical use requires clinician review.

References

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org. Heel pain and Sever's disease resources.
  2. AAOS OrthoInfo. Sever's Disease.
  3. Nemours KidsHealth. Sever's disease.

Last reviewed: 15 May 2026. Status: draft, pending clinician review.

Medical review and references

Reviewed byDr. Murali Gopal

Last reviewed2026-06-05

Medical review statusClinician reviewed

ReferencesAAP HealthyChildren heel pain and Sever's disease resources; AAOS OrthoInfo: Sever's Disease; Nemours KidsHealth: Sever's disease.

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This parent guide is for general education only and does not replace consultation with your child’s paediatrician. Please seek medical care urgently if your child appears seriously unwell, has breathing difficulty, poor feeding, dehydration, altered responsiveness, or if you are worried.