Which specialist treats Sever's disease?

Sever's disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, affects the growing area at the back of a child's heel. Repeated running and jumping can place stress where the Achilles tendon attaches. A clinician examines the heel, ankle movement, walking pattern, and activity history. The diagnosis is often made clinically, while imaging may be considered when the pattern is unusual or another injury needs to be excluded. Heel pain in a growing child is not automatically Sever's disease, so a proper assessment matters.

Start with a paediatrician, family doctor, sports medicine clinician, or paediatric orthopaedic service. Care commonly includes temporarily reducing painful impact activities, gentle calf and hamstring flexibility work, supportive footwear, and a gradual return to sport. Paediatric physiotherapy can teach age-appropriate exercises and review running or jumping mechanics. Custom orthotics may be considered when foot position or persistent loading contributes to symptoms. Your child should not be pushed through heel pain during sport.

Arrange prompt medical review if the child cannot walk normally, has marked swelling or bruising, develops fever, or has pain after a clear injury. Seek urgent care for severe pain with inability to bear weight or a foot that looks deformed. Review is also sensible when pain occurs at rest, wakes the child repeatedly, or does not improve after activity changes.

Ask which activities should pause, how to maintain fitness safely, and what signs show readiness to return to sport. Clarify whether exercises, heel support, or footwear changes are suitable, and when the child should be reassessed if symptoms continue.