What are the symptoms of Sever's disease?

Pain is usually at the back or underside of the heel and may affect one or both feet. A child may limp, avoid sport, walk on the toes, or say the heel hurts when it is squeezed gently from the sides. Tight calf muscles and pain after activity can also occur. These symptoms differ from growing pains, which are often felt in the muscles of both legs and are not typically focused on a tender heel.

Reduce activities that trigger pain for a short period and choose lower-impact movement while the heel settles. Supportive shoes, a cushioned heel and stretching recommended by a clinician may help. A physiotherapist can assess calf flexibility, walking pattern and sports loads; custom orthotics may be considered when foot mechanics add strain.

Arrange an assessment if heel pain keeps returning, causes a limp, limits school or sport, or does not improve with rest and supportive footwear. Seek prompt care after a significant injury, if the child cannot bear weight, or if swelling, redness, fever or night pain accompanies the heel problem.

Could the tenderness be coming from the growth area or another heel problem? Which activities should my child pause, and how can they return safely? Would calf exercises, a heel insert or paediatric physiotherapy be useful?