Sever’s Disease in Kids: Home Remedies vs. When to See a Doctor

Sever’s disease is not really a “disease,” but rather irritation or inflammation of the growth plate in the heel (called the calcaneal apophysis).

Growth plates are soft areas of growing tissue at the ends of bones—and in the heel, that tissue can become sore or inflamed when it’s under stress.

Sever’s happens mostly in active kids between ages 9 and 12, especially those involved in sports that include running and jumping like soccer, basketball, baseball, or gymnastics. It can also happen a little earlier in girls and a little later in boys, depending on how fast a child grows.

What are the signs of Sever’s disease in young athletes?

• Heel pain during or after activity
• Pain when wearing shoes that lack cushioning (like soccer cleats)
• Pain that’s worse on hard surfaces like turf or basketball courts

The good news: Sever’s disease is temporary. It typically resolves once the heel growth plate closes—usually between ages 12 and 15. Most kids recover fully with time, rest, and simple care at home.

 

The heel growth plate is under a lot of pressure during growth spurts. The Achilles tendon pulls on it from above, and running or jumping puts impact on it from below. When kids grow quickly, tight calf muscles and rapid increases in activity can add even more strain.

Common triggers include:

• Overuse or overtraining
• Sudden increases in training intensity or volume
• Year-round participation in one sport
• Not warming up or stretching regularly
• Tight calf or Achilles muscles
• Hard playing surfaces or thin-soled shoes

Parents might first notice symptoms when sports seasons ramp up—like the start of soccer or basketball after a break.

>>Related: 12 pediatric sports injury questions every parent asks
 

Yes. Many kids with Sever’s disease can manage their pain with simple home remedies and changes to their activity.

Here’s what can help most:

1. Change up the Activity
   Encourage your child to rest from activities that worsen heel pain or reduce how often and how intensely they play. Cross-training with low-impact activities—like biking or swimming—keeps them active without stressing the heel.
    
2. Ice and Anti-Inflammatory Medication
   Ice: Apply for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off after activity or at the end of the day. Use a towel between the skin and ice pack, and never sleep with ice on.
   NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen): Can help reduce inflammation and pain. Always use age- and weight-appropriate dosing every 6–8 hours as directed by your pediatrician. Avoid giving pain medicine before activity to “push through” pain.
    
3. Gel Heel Cups or Cushioned Inserts
   These are available online or in most sporting goods stores. They absorb impact and give a small heel lift that reduces pulling from the Achilles tendon. Your child can wear them in everyday shoes or sports cleats.
    
4. Stretching and Warm-Ups
   A proper warm-up and cool-down routine can help prevent flare-ups.
   1. Warm-up: Gentle dynamic stretches and light activity before practice.
   2. Cool-down: Light walking or jogging after sports, followed by calf and hamstring stretches.
       
5. Supportive Footwear
   Shoes matter! Choose athletic shoes designed for your child’s sport, with good cushioning and arch support. Avoid crocs, slides, or worn-out sneakers during sports or daily wear.
    
6. Consistency is Key
   Once you find a routine that works—stick with it. Consistency helps prevent flare-ups and keeps kids in the game.
   
    

While most kids recover with home care, some may need a doctor’s evaluation—especially if pain persists or worsens.

Call a pediatric orthopedic specialist if your child has:

• Heel pain that doesn’t improve with rest and home treatment
• Persistent limping or trouble walking
• Heel pain that you think is unrelated to activity
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the heel
• Pain that wakes your child at night
• Heel pain with fever

A doctor can confirm the diagnosis, rule out other issues (like fractures or infections), and guide next steps.

In some cases, your child’s medical team may:

• Offer reassurance and help with an activity plan
• Prescribe physical therapy for stretching and strengthening
• Recommend X-rays or lab tests if symptoms are unusual or not improving

Bottom Line for Parents
Sever’s disease is a common and temporary cause of heel pain in kids, especially those who play sports during growth spurts. Most children recover with simple home care, rest, and supportive footwear.
The goal isn’t to sideline your child—it’s to find the right balance so they can stay active and heal at the same time. If pain lasts or interferes with daily life, a doctor can help create a plan to get them safely back in the game.