Paediatric Orthopaedic Service/ Sever's disease
Information Version 2 (Code: 2.6.4)
Date of Issue: January 2020
Date of review: January 2022
Review Date: January 2025
If review date has passed, the content will apply until the next version is published
What is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s Disease is a common cause of heel pain in children and young people. It is caused by repeated stress of the large calf muscle tendon, where it attaches to the heel bone. This repeated stress results in the heel area becoming inflamed and painful.
What are the common Symptoms?
- Heel pain either during or after participation in sports
- Tenderness around the heel
- Tightness of your leg muscles, in particular your calf
These symptoms usually appear gradually and often after you have grown quickly. These symptoms can appear in one or both of your heels. It will settle in time and cause no long term harm.
Treatment Advice?
By following the advice below your Sever’s Disease should fully go away/get better within 3-6 months.
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Reduce your activity levels to the point that you do not experience heel pain during the activities. This will allow the pain and swelling to settle down.
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Ice works very well. You can use ice cubes or a small bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel for 10-15 minutes.
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Please check your skin regularly during this time. Repeat this every 2-3 hours as required.
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Start a daily stretching programme as suggested below.
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Wear well fitting, supportive footwear. Children often find wearing trainers helpful.
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Commercial gel heel cups may be helpful.
Stretches
Only do these stretches when you are not in pain.
Stand in a walking position with the leg to be stretched straight behind you and the other leg bent in front of you. Take support from a wall or chair.
Lean your body forwards and down until you feel the stretching in the calf of the straight leg. Hold approx 30 secs. - relax. Stretch the other leg.
Repeat 2 times but 3x/day. Repeat with other leg.
Lying on your back. Lift your leg towards your chest. Place your hands behind the knee.
Gently pull your leg towards your chest. Feel the stretch behind your thigh. Hold 20 secs.
Repeat 2 times but 3x day. Repeat with other leg.
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