8–14 years · Recovery 6–8 weeks with structured load management
Sever's Disease
Sever's disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is the most common cause of heel pain in growing athletes. During growth spurts, the heel bone develops faster than surrounding muscles and tendons, placing repetitive stress on the growth plate.
Common symptoms
- Pain at the back or underside of the heel
- Limping after sport, especially running and jumping
- Tenderness when squeezing the sides of the heel
- Tight calves and stiff ankles
What causes it
- Rapid growth spurts
- High-impact sports (football, basketball, gymnastics)
- Poor footwear or worn-out boots
- Sudden increase in training load
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More on Sever's Disease
Evidence-informed articles for parents and coaches on this condition, growth-related injury and youth athletic development.
Why Do Growth-Related Injuries Happen?
Growth-related injuries are not bad luck. They are the predictable result of demand outrunning capacity at a specific point in development.
ReadCan You Prevent Growth-Related Injuries in Young Athletes?
You cannot prevent growth. You can meaningfully change the odds, and the things that work are simpler and cheaper than most parents expect.
ReadSever's Disease in Young Athletes: Symptoms, Treatment and When to Worry
Heel pain in an 8–14 year old is usually Sever's disease. Here is how to recognise it, what treatment actually works, and the signs that need assessment.
ReadHow Much Sleep Do Children and Teenagers Need for Sports Recovery?
Most teenage athletes get well under the recommended amount, and the association between short sleep and injury in this group is one of the more consistent findings in youth sport research.
ReadGrowing Pains or a Sports Injury? How to Tell the Difference
True growing pains and sport-related growth plate injuries look nothing alike once you know what to compare, and the distinction changes what you should do.
ReadGrowth Spurts and Sports Injuries: Why Do They Happen?
A growth spurt changes an athlete's body faster than their tissues or their coordination can keep up. Injuries cluster in that window for good reason.
Read