Why Heel Pain in Kids Spikes Right Now: Understanding Sever’s Disease This Footy Season
February 2026
By Essendon Sports Medicine Team
It’s that time of year again — junior footy season is kicking off, and with it, we see a surge in young athletes coming through our doors with heel pain.
The most common cause? Sever’s Disease — an inflammatory condition that affects growing children, particularly during periods of rapid activity increase like the start of the sporting season.
If your child is suddenly limping after training, struggling to run, or complaining of sore heels, Sever’s could be to blame — and now is exactly when it tends to flare.
What Is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s Disease (also known as calcaneal apophysitis) is a growth plate irritation that affects the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone. It’s common in active children aged 8–14 and often coincides with:
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Growth spurts
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Increased training loads
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Changes in footwear (especially new footy boots)
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Hard playing surfaces early in the season
It’s a classic “overuse injury” in growing kids — and one that can make running, jumping, and playing sport painful if left untreated.
Why Now?
At Essendon Sports Medicine, we consistently see a spike in Sever’s cases during February to April. Here’s why:
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Rapid ramp-up in load: Kids go from holiday mode to full training loads almost overnight.
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New footy boots: Fresh, stiff boots with little cushioning put added strain on the heel.
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Grounds are very hard due to the warm summer months with minimal rain.
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Growth spurts: The bones lengthen faster than the muscles and tendons, creating excess tension.
This combination makes it the perfect storm for heel pain to appear — even in previously pain-free kids.
What Parents Should Look Out For
Common symptoms of Sever’s Disease include:
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Pain at the back of the heel during or after activity
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Tenderness when pressing on the sides of the heel
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Limping after sport or in the morning
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Avoidance of running, training, or game day
These symptoms can come on gradually or suddenly — and often worsen with increased activity.
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How We Manage It at Essendon Sports Medicine
Our multidisciplinary team of sports doctors, podiatrists, and physiotherapists work together to accurately diagnose and treat Sever’s. Treatment may involve:
✅ Activity modification/load management
✅ Soft tissue release and stretching programs
✅ Footwear and boot advice
✅ Heel lifts or orthotic support
✅ Calf strengthening and return-to-sport planning
Most cases respond well to conservative management — but early diagnosis is key to keeping kids on the field and pain-free.
Boot Fit Matters More Than You Think
Poorly fitted or inappropriate boots are one of the most overlooked contributors to heel pain.
Here are three quick tips for parents:
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Look for cushioning: Lightweight, minimalist boots often lack heel support.
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Check sizing: Ensure a thumb’s width from toe to boot end — too tight or too loose both cause problems.
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Avoid low heel drop: A small lift in the heel can reduce Achilles tension during running.
Don’t Let Heel Pain Linger
If your child is showing signs of heel pain this footy season, now is the time to act. The earlier it’s treated, the quicker they’ll recover — and the less likely they are to miss game time.
📞 Contact us at Essendon Sports Medicine or book an appointment online with one of our expert practitioners.
Further Reading:
Understanding Sever’s Disease – A Podiatrist’s Guide for Parents and Coaches
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