Causes, symptoms, and how physiotherapy helps reduce pain and get kids back to sport safely.
When Heel Pain Stops Play
Your child comes off the soccer field limping again.
They brush it off, saying, “It’s fine, Mum. Just a bit sore.”
But by the weekend, they’re walking on their toes and wincing every time their heel touches the ground.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Heel pain in active kids is incredibly common — especially during growth spurts. Many parents assume it’s “just growing pains,” but in a lot of cases, it’s something a bit more specific: Sever’s Disease.
Before you panic at the word disease, take a breath. Sever’s Disease isn’t an infection or something serious. It’s simply the most common cause of heel pain in children and teens — and it’s very treatable with the right approach.
What Is Sever’s Disease (and Why It’s Not Really a Disease)
Despite the name, Sever’s Disease — or calcaneal apophysitis — isn’t a disease at all.
It’s an inflammation at the point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, right around the growth plate.
During a growth spurt, the heel bone (calcaneus) grows faster than the muscles and tendons surrounding it. This creates tension on the back of the heel, especially during activities like running, jumping, or kicking — all the things kids love to do.
That’s why we often see Sever’s Disease in active kids aged 8–14, particularly those who play soccer, AFL, basketball, or netball. It tends to flare up around the middle of a busy sports season, or after a sudden spike in activity.
Here at Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage in Booragoon, we see this condition every week — often from families across Melville, Myaree, and the surrounding suburbs — and the good news is, with proper care, kids bounce back quickly.
Why Sever’s Disease Happens
There’s usually no single cause, but a combination of factors that lead to heel pain in kids:
Rapid growth spurts
Tight calf muscles or limited ankle mobility
Sudden increases in sport or training load
Hard playing surfaces like courts or artificial turf
Worn-out or poorly cushioned shoes
Biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches
All these can add stress to the heel growth plate. The result? Pain that shows up during or after sport, and sometimes even when walking.
Common Symptoms Parents Notice
Sever’s Disease symptoms can look different from one child to another, but most parents notice a few tell-tale signs:
Heel pain that worsens after sport or running
Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid heel contact
Tenderness or swelling at the back of the heel
Stiffness first thing in the morning
Pain when squeezing the sides of the heel
Did you know?
Sever’s Disease is the most common cause of heel pain in active children — especially during growth spurts.
When to See a Physiotherapist
If your child’s heel pain lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, or affects the way they walk or play, it’s time to see a physiotherapist.
Left untreated, the pain can become chronic, or kids might start compensating with awkward movement patterns that cause new issues elsewhere — knees, hips, or even the lower back.
Early assessment and treatment by a physio means less time off sport, less pain, and a faster return to normal activity.
At Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage, our team is experienced in working with kids and teens. We know how to make sessions fun, engaging, and reassuring for young athletes (and their parents).
If your child plays organised sport, we can even communicate with their coach to help manage training load while they recover.
How Physiotherapy Helps Kids with Sever’s Disease
Our approach combines hands-on treatment, targeted exercises, and education — designed to relieve pain quickly and get your child moving with confidence again.
1. Accurate Assessment
We start with a full movement and gait analysis to understand what’s contributing to the problem.
We look at flexibility, muscle strength, foot posture, and movement patterns — so we can tailor a plan that suits your child’s specific needs.
2. Hands-On Treatment
Gentle soft-tissue techniques help release tight calf muscles and reduce tension on the heel.
If ankle stiffness is part of the issue, we use safe joint mobilisation techniques to restore normal movement.
3. Exercise Therapy
Physio-guided exercises help strengthen and lengthen the lower leg muscles.
This may include calf raises, stretches, balance work, and controlled jumping drills — all adjusted for your child’s age and ability.
4. Load Management & Education
We don’t just tell kids to “rest.” Instead, we help them understand when to move, when to ease off, and how to stay active safely.
Sometimes we modify sport participation rather than stopping it completely — so they can stay involved while healing.
5. Return-to-Sport Plan
Once pain settles, we guide a gradual return to full activity.
This ensures the heel can tolerate sport again without flare-ups.
We often integrate elements from our Sports Physiotherapy for Youth page — combining movement retraining and strength work to prevent recurrence.
Why Rest Alone Isn’t Enough
Resting might reduce pain for a while, but it doesn’t solve the problem.
Without improving flexibility, strength, and load tolerance, the pain almost always returns once the child resumes sport.
Physiotherapy addresses the cause, not just the symptoms — building stronger, more resilient muscles and movement patterns so kids can play freely again.
What to Expect at Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage (Booragoon)
We pride ourselves on being kid-friendly, family-focused, and results-driven.
Our sessions are interactive and encouraging — we explain everything in language your child understands, and we involve you as a parent every step of the way.
Whether your child is a future AFL star, a netballer, or just loves PE at school, our goal is to keep them active, confident, and pain-free.
Our physiotherapists work closely with our massage therapists and Physiotherapy Rehab Program team to provide complete care — from pain relief to long-term performance.
And if your child’s heel pain is linked to rapid growth or repeated sport injuries, we can integrate them into a structured youth rehab or performance program when ready.
Common Questions Parents Ask
Can my child keep playing sport with Sever’s Disease?
Sometimes yes — if pain is mild and managed properly. We’ll help you and your child know when it’s safe to keep training.
How long does recovery take?
Most kids recover within 4–8 weeks with proper physio care, though it can vary depending on activity level and growth rate.
Will it come back?
It can reappear during another growth phase, but we teach your child the right stretches and strength drills to prevent flare-ups.
Do heel cups or orthotics help?
In some cases, temporary heel lifts or supportive insoles can reduce pressure. Your physio will advise based on your child’s foot shape and activity.
Real Results, Real Confidence
We recently treated a young soccer player from Melville who could barely finish a game without limping. After four weeks of targeted physiotherapy and progressive loading, she was back on the field — pain-free and moving better than before.
That’s the difference the right guidance makes.
Help Your Child Get Back to Doing What They Love
Sever’s Disease can be frustrating for kids and worrying for parents — but it’s also very treatable. With early assessment and the right plan, your child can recover quickly, stay active, and return to sport stronger than before.
If your child is complaining of heel pain or limping after sport, don’t wait for it to “go away on its own.”
Book an appointment with our experienced physiotherapists at Adaptive Physiotherapy & Massage in Booragoon.
We’ll help your child move, play, and grow with confidence — pain-free.
