LowerLeg
Severs Disease

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing kids and teens. It happens when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated from repeated running and jumping. It's most common during growth spurts and in athletes who play sports like soccer, basketball, football, and track. Even though it can be painful, it isn't a permanent injury and usually goes away once the growth plate finishes developing.

  • Pain at the back or bottom of the heel
  • Heel pain during or after sports
  • Tenderness when squeezing the sides of the heel
  • Limping after activity
  • Pain while running or jumping
  • Pain when walking barefoot
  • Stiff or tight calf muscles
  • Pain that improves with rest
  • One or both heels may hurt
  • A sore or aching heel
  • Sharp pain when running or jumping
  • Your heel hurts most after practice or games
  • Walking on your heel may feel uncomfortable
  • The pain comes and goes depending on how active you are
  • Your calf may feel tight, especially after sports
  • Growth spurts during childhood or adolescence
  • Repeated running and jumping
  • Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
  • Playing sports on hard surfaces
  • Suddenly increasing training or practice time
  • Wearing shoes with poor support
  • Sports like soccer, basketball, football, volleyball, gymnastics, and track & field
  • Is your pain in the back or bottom of your heel?
  • Did the pain develop gradually instead of after one big injury?
  • Does running or jumping make your heel hurt?
  • Does the pain improve after resting?
  • Does squeezing the sides of your heel cause pain?
  • Have you recently had a growth spurt?
  • Do you play sports that involve lots of running or jumping?
  • Do your calf muscles feel tight?

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

  1. 1Take a break from painful activities: Reduce running and jumping until your heel feels better.
  2. 2Ice your heel: Apply ice for 15–20 minutes after activity to help reduce pain.
  3. 3Stretch your calves: Gentle calf stretches can reduce stress on the heel.
  4. 4Wear supportive shoes: Cushioned shoes or heel inserts may help make walking and sports more comfortable.
  • You cannot put weight on your foot.
  • Severe pain after a fall or direct hit.
  • Large swelling or significant bruising.
  • Fever, redness, or warmth around the heel.
  • Pain that wakes you up at night.
  • Heel pain that continues to worsen despite rest.
  • Numbness or tingling in the foot.
  • Stretch Every Day: Regular calf stretches help reduce tension on the heel.
  • Wear Supportive Shoes: Well-cushioned athletic shoes can reduce stress on the growth plate.
  • Try Heel Cups: Many athletes find that silicone heel cups or heel lifts help relieve pain during sports.
  • Ice After Activity: Ice your heel for 15–20 minutes after practices or games.
  • Cross-Train: Swimming or cycling are good ways to stay active while giving your heel a break.
  • Increase Activity Slowly: Return to sports gradually as your pain improves.
  • Don't Ignore Pain: If your heel hurts during activity, it's okay to take a break rather than push through it.
  • Be Patient: Symptoms often come and go during growth spurts and usually disappear once the growth plate finishes developing

For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice.

Tracks symptoms over time (not a diagnosis).