What happens if Sever's disease is not treated?

Sever's disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, affects the growth area at the back of a child's heel. Repeated pulling from the calf and Achilles tendon can irritate this area during growth. Pain often increases with running, jumping or training and eases with rest. A child may limp, walk on the toes or stop taking part in games. The condition does not usually damage the growth of the foot, but persistent pain can reduce fitness and confidence. Heel pain or growing pains can have other causes, so an examination matters.

Arrange a paediatric assessment if pain keeps returning, changes walking or interferes with school or sport. Care may include a temporary reduction in impact activity, calf stretching, gradual strengthening, supportive footwear and cold therapy wrapped in a cloth. Custom Orthotics may be considered when foot mechanics add strain. Paediatric Physiotherapy can help a child return to activity with a staged plan. Replace painful running and jumping with comfortable options while symptoms settle, then increase load slowly.

Seek prompt review for severe pain, swelling, redness, fever, pain at rest or at night, numbness, a recent injury, or inability to walk normally. Urgent assessment is appropriate when a child cannot bear weight or the heel looks deformed. Pain in only one heel that keeps worsening deserves reassessment rather than continued self-treatment.

Does the examination fit Sever's disease or another cause of heel pain? Which activities should be paused? What footwear or stretches are suitable? When can my child return to sport, and how should training progress?