Does paediatric physiotherapy treat Sever's disease?

Sever's disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is pain at the growth area of the heel in a growing child. Running and jumping can repeatedly load the heel, particularly when the calf and ankle are tight or training changes quickly. A physiotherapist considers walking, ankle movement, calf strength, footwear, surfaces and sport demands. The diagnosis is not a reason to ignore pain: the treatment plan aims to keep activity safe while the heel settles.

The clinician may suggest a temporary reduction in painful running and jumping, gentle calf mobility, strengthening for the foot and leg, and a staged return to sport. Low-impact activity can sometimes maintain fitness if it stays comfortable. Supportive footwear or a heel insert may be discussed when appropriate. Use symptoms during activity and later that day to judge whether the load was suitable, and report a persistent limp rather than compensating through it.

Seek review if heel pain persists despite activity changes, becomes severe, affects both walking and rest, or follows a direct injury. Prompt assessment is needed for inability to bear weight, marked swelling, redness, fever, numbness or pain that is not centred around the heel. Those features may require a different evaluation.

Ask how much running is suitable, which stretches are safe, whether footwear needs changing, how to return to matches, and what symptoms mean the plan should be reassessed.