Sever’s Disease: Why Active Kids Get Heel Pain Every August – And How to Fix It Fast

August in the Ozarks is when fall sports kick into high gear. Football practices start, soccer and cross-country teams hit the fields, marching band rehearsals ramp up, and kids all over Springfield are back in new school shoes. Right on cue, many parents start noticing their 8- to 14-year-olds limping, walking on their toes, or complaining of sharp heel pain after practice.

That pain is often Sever’s Disease (also called calcaneal apophysitis) — the most common cause of heel pain in growing children. There's a big spike in these cases every August and September as kids jump back into intense activity after summer.

If your child is dealing with heel pain this time of year, you’re not alone — and the good news is it responds extremely well to the right care.

What Exactly Is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s Disease is inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone (calcaneus). During growth spurts, the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, especially the Achilles tendon. When kids run, jump, or cut sharply in sports, that tight Achilles pulls hard on the still-soft growth plate, causing pain and irritation.

It is not a true disease — it’s a temporary overuse condition that almost always resolves once the growth plate closes (usually by age 15).

Who Gets It Most Often in the Springfield Area?

• Kids ages 8–14 (peak around 10–12)

• Active athletes in sports that involve running and jumping: football, soccer, basketball, track, cross country, and cheer

• Children who recently had a growth spurt

• Kids who wear flat shoes (like soccer cleats or track flats) without enough heel cushioning

• Both heels can be affected, though one side is often worse

  
  

Classic Symptoms Parents Notice

• Pain in one or both heels, especially after activity

• Limping or walking on the toes to avoid putting pressure on the heel

• Heel tenderness when you squeeze the sides of the heel

• Mild swelling or redness around the heel

• Stiffness in the morning or after sitting

• Pain that improves with rest but returns with sports

  
  

Why It Spikes in August

Late summer is the perfect storm:

• Kids go from relatively light summer activity to intense daily practices almost overnight

• New or poorly broken-in athletic shoes

• Harder surfaces (artificial turf or dry grass fields)

• Tight calves from summer growth spurts

  
  

What You Can Do at Home Right Now

1. Relative rest — Temporarily cut back on running and jumping sports. Swimming or biking is usually okay.

2. Ice — 15–20 minutes several times a day after activity.

3. Stretch the calves and Achilles daily (morning, after school, and before bed).

4. Supportive shoes + heel cups — Soft, cushioned heel cups or gel heel pads make a big difference.

5. Avoid barefoot walking on hard floors.

   
   

How The Foot Doctors Help Kids with Sever’s Disease

Most cases improve quickly with professional guidance.

• Accurate diagnosis (we rule out stress fractures or other issues with on-site X-rays when needed)

• Custom or over-the-counter heel cups and orthotics tailored for growing feet

• Specific stretching and strengthening programs

• Guidance on safe return-to-sport timelines

• Temporary bracing or a walking boot in more stubborn cases

When to Bring Your Child In

Schedule an appointment if:

• The pain is causing a limp that lasts more than a few days

• Your child is waking up with significant heel pain

• Home care (rest + ice + stretches) isn’t helping after 7–10 days

• You’re unsure whether it’s Sever’s or something more serious

Early treatment means less time on the sidelines and a faster, safer return to the sports they love.

Don’t Let Heel Pain Sideline Your Athlete This Season

August and September should be about new school years, fall sports, and making memories — not limping through practices. At The Foot Doctors, we’ve been helping Springfield families keep their kids active and pain-free for more than 25 years.

Call (417) 883-1881 today to schedule an evaluation at 929 E Montclair St, Suite 100, Springfield, MO. Ankle to Toe, Repair, Recovery & Relief.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thefootdoctors417 for more parent-friendly foot tips throughout the school year.