Sever’s Disease (Children’s Heel Pain) Treatment Berwick | Berwick Podiatry Group
Child heel pain (Sever’s disease/calcaneal apophysitis) treatment in Berwick. Assessment, footwear advice, heel lifts, load management and return-to-sport plans. Book today.
Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis) – Children’s Heel Pain Treatment in Berwick
At Berwick Podiatry Group, we help children and teens with heel pain, including Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis) — one of the most common causes of heel pain in active kids. Berwick Podiatry Group
We assess the contributing factors (activity load, footwear, gait and strength) and create a plan to reduce pain while keeping your child moving and confident.
We’re located at 54 Kangan Drive, Berwick VIC 3806 and support families across Melbourne’s South East.
What is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is an irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel. Berwick Podiatry Group
It commonly affects children during growth spurts — often between 7 and 14 — especially those involved in high-impact sports like running, basketball, football and netball.
Common Symptoms of Sever’s Disease
Your child may have:
Heel pain during or after sport (often worse with running/jumping)
Limping or walking on toes to avoid heel contact
Pain when squeezing the sides of the heel
Reduced sport tolerance or complaints of “sore heels” after school/activity
Tight calves or limited ankle flexibility
What Causes It (and Why It Keeps Flaring Up)
Sever’s flare-ups are commonly linked to:
Sudden increase in sport load (training, matches, new season)
Growth spurts + tight calves
Unsupportive or worn-out footwear (including some school shoes/boots)
Foot posture and biomechanics (how the foot loads during walking/running)
Hard playing surfaces and repeated jumping
Our Assessment (What We Check)
A thorough assessment matters because “heel pain” can have more than one cause. We assess:
Footwear (sport + school shoes)
Walking and running mechanics (gait)
Joint range of motion (especially ankle/calf)
Muscle strength and control through the lower limb
Treatment for Sever’s Disease (What We Do)
Our goal is pain relief now and fewer flare-ups long term, without unnecessarily stopping all activity. Berwick Podiatry Group
Treatment may include:
Activity modification (reduce load, not “no sport forever”)
Footwear changes (better cushioning + support)
Heel lifts or heel cups (to reduce heel strain)
Strapping/taping (short-term support)
Calf stretching and strength program
Return-to-sport plan (graded progression)
If required: insoles/orthotics to improve loading and comfort
What You Can Do at Home
Reduce high-impact activity briefly (especially sprinting/jumping)
Ice after sport if sore (10–15 minutes)
Avoid barefoot on hard floors during flare-ups
Check shoes: replace worn-out runners, avoid overly flat/unsupportive footwear
Don’t aggressively stretch through sharp pain (we’ll guide safe stretches)
How Long Does Sever’s Disease Last?
Sever’s usually improves with the right plan, but it can recur during growth spurts if loading and footwear aren’t managed well. The good news is it typically settles as the growth plate matures.
Why Choose Berwick Podiatry Group?
Experienced podiatrists who regularly treat children’s heel pain Berwick Podiatry Group
Practical, sport-friendly management plans
Clear guidance for parents (what to do now + how to prevent flare-ups)
Convenient Berwick clinic location
Book an Appointment
If your child is limping, avoiding sport, or complaining of heel pain, we can help.
📞 Call (03) 9707 4007 to book a children’s heel pain assessment in Berwick.
FAQs
Is Sever’s disease serious?
It’s common and treatable, but should be assessed to confirm diagnosis and prevent recurring pain.
Does my child need to stop sport completely?
Often no — we usually modify load while keeping kids active (depending on severity). Berwick Podiatry Group
Will orthotics be needed?
Not always. Many cases improve with footwear changes + heel lifts + load management; orthotics are used when biomechanics are a key driver.