Is Sever’s Disease Preventable? 

Sever’s disease is a mostly preventable overuse condition. It’s the most common source of heel pain in children’s feet. Strain on the back of the heel bone aggravates the growth plate there and inflames it, causing the discomfort. This is usually the result of a tight Achilles tendon and frequent, repetitive hard impacts on the ground. Good children’s foot care that stretches the tendon and supports the heel can help prevent the inflammation in most cases.

Help your child stretch the Achilles several times a day to keep the tendon relaxed. Make sure your son or daughter wears well-fitted, appropriate shoes for his or her activities—particularly for sports. Encourage your child to warm up properly and completely before every practice and game, too. This will help release tension in the lower limbs and prepare them for action, reducing some of the potential stress on the heel. If you’re still concerned for your child’s feet, contact Dr. Darren Silvester and the rest of the Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic team for an appointment. Call (210) 375-3318 or use the website to reach our Pleasanton, Texas, office.