Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Sever’s disease heel pain resolves completely with skeletal maturity — but the specific activity level that determines whether your child needs a walking boot versus just heel lifts is the variable most parents never discuss at the first visit. Call (810) 206-1402 — Balance Foot & Ankle serves Brighton and all of Southeast Michigan.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM · Board-Certified Podiatrist · Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC · Updated 2026
Sever’s Disease Near Brighton, MI
Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis) evaluation and treatment near Brighton, MI is available at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell. Dr. Biernacki DPM diagnoses this growth plate traction injury in active children 8-15 with the calcaneal squeeze test, manages it with Achilles stretching, heel cups, and activity modification, and reassures families that this is self-limited — resolving when the growth plate closes. Call (810) 206-1402.
The Most Common Cause of Heel Pain in Active Children
Sever’s disease — calcaneal apophysitis — is not a disease at all: it is a traction apophysitis of the calcaneal growth plate (apophysis), caused by repetitive stress at the insertion of the Achilles tendon during rapid bone growth in active children. It is the most common cause of heel pain in children aged 8-15, and the #1 thing every sports-active family in Brighton should know about. The mechanism: during growth spurts, the calcaneal bone grows faster than the Achilles tendon can lengthen, creating increased tension on the growth plate. Every push-off during running and jumping applies traction at the insertion, causing inflammation, microfracture, and pain at the growth plate. The clinical presentation: heel pain in an athletic child aged 8-15 (peak: girls 8-10, boys 10-12), worsened by activity, improved with rest. Bilateral in approximately 60% of cases. Calcaneal squeeze test: Compressing the heel from medial and lateral sides simultaneously reproduces the pain — pathognomonic for Sever’s. X-ray: sclerosis and fragmentation of the calcaneal apophysis may be visible but is a normal developmental variant; X-ray is used primarily to rule out other pathology (calcaneal fracture, bone tumor). The critical reassurance for families: Sever’s disease is entirely self-limiting — it resolves completely when the calcaneal growth plate closes (typically by age 15). There is no long-term damage to the heel bone.
Key Takeaway: Sever’s disease = calcaneal apophysitis in active children 8-15. Calcaneal squeeze test = positive (pathognomonic). Self-limited — resolves when growth plate closes (by ~age 15). Treatment: Achilles/gastrocnemius stretching, heel cups (silicone), activity modification during flares. No long-term heel damage. Children can usually remain active with appropriate footwear and stretching. Boot immobilization only for severe cases.
Treatment: Stretching, Support, and Reassurance
Achilles and gastrocnemius stretching: The most effective intervention — lengthens the Achilles tendon and reduces traction on the growth plate. Wall stretches with knee straight (gastrocnemius) and bent (soleus) twice daily. Plantar fascia stretch in the morning before first steps. Heel cups: Silicone heel cups inside athletic shoes cushion the heel and slightly elevate the heel (reducing Achilles tension). Over-the-counter gel heel cups are effective; custom orthotics with heel lift and arch support for children with flat feet or high arches. Activity modification: Reducing high-impact activities (running, jumping) during flares, but complete rest is rarely necessary. Cross-training with swimming or cycling maintains fitness while off-loading the heel. Boot immobilization: For severe cases where the child is unable to walk normally — short-leg walking boot for 2-4 weeks, then gradual return to activity with stretching. Footwear: Firm, supportive athletic shoes with good heel cushioning; avoid flat shoes (flip flops, bare feet on hard surfaces) during growth spurts.
⚠️ See a Podiatrist If:
- Child has heel pain not improving with stretching and heel cups after 4-6 weeks
- Heel pain so severe the child limps or refuses to participate in sports
- Heel pain in a child under 8 or over 15 — consider other diagnoses beyond Sever’s
- Unilateral severe heel pain in a child — rule out calcaneal stress fracture or bone lesion
- Night pain or rest pain in a child’s heel — red flag, needs imaging to rule out bone pathology
OrthoInfo – AAOS: Sever’s Disease
Getting to Our Office From Brighton
Our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 is about 10 minutes from Brighton via US-23 N. We accept most major insurance. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Child With Heel Pain? Get a Sever’s Disease Evaluation
Balance Foot & Ankle · Serving Brighton & Michigan
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📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
Sever disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is the most common cause of heel pain in children ages 8-14, caused by inflammation at the heel bone growth plate during rapid growth spurts. It is self-limiting and resolves once growth plates close. Treatment near Brighton includes activity modification, heel cups or custom orthotics, calf stretching, and temporary reduction in sports during flares. Most children recover within 2-3 months. Our clinic provides same-week pediatric appointments near Brighton.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.