Last week, I took my son to his first under-10s football training session for the season. Like many other parents on the sidelines, I was excited to see the kids back out there — new teammates, new boots, and lots of energy to burn.
But as I watched them run, sprint and skid across the oval, one thing stood out immediately: the ground was rock-hard, and almost every child was in brand-new footy boots. And I found myself thinking, this is exactly the time of year we start seeing heel pain in kids – particularly Sever’s Disease.
Why Heel Pain Is So Common Right Now
For many young footballers, the early weeks of training bring on complaints of sore heels, limping after sessions, or struggling to run like they used to.
The culprit? Often it’s Sever’s Disease — a common and very treatable growth plate condition that affects the back of the heel. It typically occurs in kids aged 8 to 14, during periods of rapid growth, and is especially common in children who play high-impact sports like football, netball, and athletics.
And the start of the season is the perfect storm for Sever’s to flare up. Here’s why:
- Hard grounds: Summer heat leaves footy ovals dry, firm, and unforgiving. There’s little natural cushioning, and this increases impact through the heel.
- Sudden ramp-up in load: After a quieter holiday period, many kids go from little to no structured sport to 2–3 sessions a week. That spike in activity can overwhelm growing bodies.
- New boots: Fresh boots look great but can be stiff, flat, and offer very little support or shock absorption.
- Growth spurts: This is the age when kids’ bones grow faster than their muscles and tendons can adapt, leading to tight calves and added heel tension.
What Is Sever’s Disease, Exactly?
Sever’s (or calcaneal apophysitis) occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated due to repetitive stress from activity and muscle tension. It’s not a disease in the scary sense — but left unmanaged, it can cause persistent pain and sidelined kids.
You may notice:
- Complaints of heel pain during or after activity
- A noticeable limp, especially after training
- Discomfort when the back of the heel is pressed
- Avoidance of running or reluctance to put on boots
What Can Parents Do?
As a parent and a clinician, I know it’s easy to brush these early complaints off as “just growing pains.” But in many cases, early attention can make a huge difference.
Here are three things you can do right now:
1. Check Their Footy Boots
- Look for a boot with heel cushioning and some structure at the back (a firm heel counter).
- Make sure they fit correctly — not too tight or too loose — with about a thumb’s width of space at the toes.
- A slight heel raise or insole can help reduce strain on the heel and Achilles.
2. Monitor Their Load
- Consider modifying training if heel pain starts to emerge — skipping a session or reducing intensity for a week can help prevent escalation.
- Encourage cross-training (like swimming or cycling) if pain persists.
3. Seek Help Early
- A paediatric podiatrist or physio can assess your child’s biomechanics, calf flexibility, and boot fit.
- Treatment may include stretching, soft tissue work, heel lifts, and short-term load modification — often avoiding the need to stop sport entirely.
My Message to Parents
Being on the sideline this week reminded me that awareness is everything. Most parents don’t know about Sever’s until their child starts limping. And most kids don’t speak up until they’re really hurting.
If your child is in that prime age group (8–14), has just returned to sport, and has new boots or tight calves — be alert to signs of heel pain. A quick assessment can prevent a long and frustrating season on the sidelines.
Need Help?
If you’re concerned about your child’s heel pain, reach out to our team at Melbourne Podiatry Clinic. We can assess, diagnose, and guide you through the right steps to keep them active, safe, and pain-free.
📞 Call us or book an appointment online
📖 Or learn more here: Understanding Sever’s Disease – A Podiatrist’s Guide for Parents and Coaches
