Sever’s Disease: Ankle Pain in Kids
Sever’s disease (also called calcaneal apophysitis) is a terrible name for a very common—and very normal—part of growing up. It is not a disease. Instead, it’s a temporary, painful condition that happens at the child’s growth plate on the back of the heel, occurring most often between the ages of 8–14.
It is one of the most common causes of heel pain, often identified as “ankle pain” in kids and adolescents, especially those who are active in sports. Soccer players are particularly prone, as cleats often lack cushioning, arch support, and heel protection—putting extra strain on growing heels.
Photo Cred: Cleveland Clinic
Why Does It Happen?
Growth spurts: Bones grow faster than muscles, creating tension on where the muscles intert into the bones. The heel has a growth plate, an unfused part of the bone at the back of the foot. As the muscles get stretched too tight, it irritates the growth plate, and pain and inflammation ensue.
Repetitive stress: Running, jumping, and sports like soccer, basketball, or gymnastics increase impact.
Shoes: Soccer cleats, flat shoes, or poorly cushioned footwear lack proper support.
Surfaces: Hard playing fields magnify strain on the heels.
Symptoms
Heel pain or tenderness, especially after activity.
Limping or walking on toes to avoid heel pressure.
Difficulty participating in sports or physical activities.
Pain that improves with rest.
Treatment & Support
The good news: Sever’s disease is self-limiting by nature. Children grow out of it once the growth plate fuses (around age 15). But beware! There is another growth plate in the front and just below the knee that kicks in around 13 or 14 and lasts a few more years, also with an awful name, Osgood-Schlatter’s disease.
At Home Care
Rest & Modify Activities: Reduce running and jumping until symptoms improve. Take rest days. Do stretching exercises on the calves (lower leg) to lengthen the muscles to keep up with bone growth.
Ice / Cool Packs: Apply after sports or activity for 10 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
Proper Hydration: Have your kids drink water, and add electrolytes for extra muscle support.
Massage: Massage calves with Weleda Arnica Muscle Massage Oil to ease tight muscles. Available at our office or on our online store www.huntvitality.com/shop for 10% off.
Shoes: Avoid flat shoes with no cushion/support (like Converse or Mary Janes). Choose cushioned running shoes that absorb impact like a trampoline.
Heel Pads/Insole Support: Soft heel cups or cushioned shoes help absorb impact and support the foot. We used Kid’s Soles, but other brands are great too. Make sure if you put these in soccer cleats, the ankle does not sit too high in the cleat to make the shoe unstable and the child more prone to ankle sprain.
Epsom Salt Baths: Relax tight muscles and provide magnesium.
Supplements: Magnesium (malate or glycinate) supports growing muscles, reduces cramping, and eases tightness (100–200 mg/day for kids). My kids use OptiMag 125 by Xymogen and take 1-2 caps before bed. For sale at our office.
Anti-inflammatory Support: Consult your doctor for safe doses of ibuprofen/Advil. To be used sparingly as they have other undesired side effects.
In Our Office
Chiropractic Adjustments: Align pelvis, hips, knees, and ankles to reduce heel strain.
Red Light Laser Therapy: Our medical-grade red light laser deeply penetrates into the tissues for and reduces inflammation, improves circulation (oxygen), accelerates tissue repair, and more. Kids often receive lasting benefits quickly with laser.
Muscle Release & Soft Tissue Care: Lengthen and relax the calf muscles and more.
Cranial Sacral: Helps restore balance and helps the child deal with the stress of the pain.
Prognosis
Sever’s disease is temporary and not harmful. Though painful, it is a natural part of growth. With rest, supportive care, and chiropractic guidance, children can remain active while their bodies adjust to these changes.