Heel Pain in Kids: A Clinician’s Guide to Sever’s Disease

Physio&SoleClinic Uncategorized January 23 2026

Written by Ng Jialin, Principal Podiatrist at Women & Children Centre and Physio & Sole Clinic

As a clinician working with children and adolescents, one of the most common concerns parents raise is heel pain in kids — especially when it starts to affect school, sports, or even simple daily activities. Many parents wonder if it’s “just growing pains” or something more serious.

The short answer? Heel pain in children is common, but it isn’t something to ignore. With the right assessment and guidance, most children recover well and return to the activities they love.

In this guide, I’ll explain the most common cause of heel pain in kids, Sever’s disease, how to recognise it, and what actually helps.

What Causes Heel Pain in Kids?

Heel pain in children is usually mechanical, meaning it’s related to how the foot is coping with growth and activity. Unlike adults, children have growth plates — areas of developing bone that are more vulnerable to stress.

Common causes include:

• Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis)
• Tight calf or Achilles muscles
• Sudden increases in sports or training load
• Poorly cushioned or worn-out footwear
• Foot posture differences (such as flat feet or high arches)

While parents often hear the term growing pains, true growing pains typically occur at night and do not cause limping or pain during activity. Heel pain that worsens with running or jumping is different and deserves attention.

What is Sever’s Disease?

Despite the worrying name, Sever’s disease is not a disease in the traditional sense. It is a temporary growth-related condition also known as calcaneal apophysitis.

It occurs when repeated pulling from the Achilles tendon irritates the heel’s growth plate. During growth spurts, the heel bone often grows faster than the muscles and tendons can adapt, increasing tension at this sensitive area.

The good news:

• It does not cause permanent damage
• It does not affect adult foot development
• With appropriate management, children usually recover well

Which Children Are Most at Risk?

Sever’s disease most commonly affects children between 8 and 14 years old, especially during rapid growth phases.

Risk factors include:

• Participation in high-impact sports such as football, basketball, athletics, or netball
• Sudden increases in training or competition
• Limited recovery time between activities
• Inadequate footwear support
• Naturally tight calf muscles

In Singapore, year-round sports and school CCAs mean children often don’t get a true “off-season,” which can increase the risk of overuse injuries like heel pain.

Common Symptoms of Heel Pain and Sever’s Disease in Kids

Children often describe:

• Pain at the back or underside of the heel
• Discomfort when pressing on the heel
• Limping, especially in the evening
• Reduced willingness to run or jump

Some children may not complain much at first and instead quietly avoid activities they enjoy, something parents often notice before the child mentions pain.

How Is Heel Pain in Kids Properly Diagnosed?

In most cases, X-rays or scans are not needed. Diagnosis is based on:

• A detailed history
• Assessment of growth stage
• Foot posture and walking pattern
• Muscle flexibility and load tolerance

This is where child-specific biomechanical and gait analysis matters. Children are not just “small adults,” their growing bodies require a different clinical approach. Early assessment often leads to simpler, faster recovery and helps prevent unnecessary disruption to your child’s routine.

How Long Does Heel Pain in Kids Last?

With appropriate care, many children improve within 6 to 12 weeks. However, recovery time varies depending on:

• How early the condition is addressed
• Ongoing activity load
• Footwear choices
• Individual growth patterns

Children who continue high-impact activities without adjustments often experience symptoms that linger for months or keep returning during growth spurts.

Best Treatment for Heel Pain in Children: What Actually Works

At our clinic, we believe that effective treatment starts with a deep understanding of pediatric development. When seeking a podiatrist Singapore parents often look for a balance between clinical expertise and a gentle approach that puts their child at ease. Evidence-based management focuses on reducing stress at the growth plate while supporting healthy movement.

Common strategies include:

• Activity modification, not complete rest
• Supportive, well-cushioned footwear
• Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises
• Load management for sports and school activities
• Short-term pain relief strategies where appropriate

Treatment plans should always be tailored to the child’s age, activity level, and stage of growth.

How We Support Children with Heel Pain at Women and Children’s Centre

Our approach focuses on:

• Child-specific assessment and care
• Evidence-based, conservative treatment
• Supporting active children safely
• Educating parents and children together

We understand how important sport, play, and school life are—and our goal is to help children return to them comfortably and confidently.

Final Thoughts for Parents

If your child is complaining of heel pain, limping after school, or pulling back from activities they once enjoyed, you’re not overreacting by seeking advice. Early, professional assessment can make a real difference — often preventing weeks or months of ongoing discomfort.

If you’re unsure whether your child’s heel pain needs attention, a paediatric podiatry assessment can provide clarity, reassurance, and a clear plan forward. Your child doesn’t have to “just put up with it” — and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Book an assessment with us at Women and Children Centre, and let’s work together to keep your feet healthy, supported, and pain-free.