The Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute, a leading North Virginia podiatry clinic specializing in foot and ankle care for all ages, is proud to announce the release of a new educational report aimed at helping parents understand Sever’s disease—a common cause of heel pain in growing children.

The report offers a comprehensive overview of this frequently misunderstood condition, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. The Institute’s board-certified podiatrists hope the guide will empower families with knowledge and reassurance when faced with pediatric heel pain.

“Sever’s disease is not really a disease,” the report says. “It’s more like an injury or when something gets a little irritated and swollen in your child’s heel.”

The report explains that Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, typically affects children who are experiencing rapid growth spurts, especially those involved in sports like basketball, soccer, gymnastics, or dance. The repeated stress on the heel—combined with tight muscles and tendons—can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.

“Even during growth spurts,” the report continues, “not everything is always even. Sometimes, your child’s bones might grow faster than the muscles and tendons around them. This can cause tightness in their tendons.”

The clinic’s goal with this report is to ease the concern parents may feel by outlining what Sever’s disease is, how to recognize it, and what steps to take to help their child heal.

The report emphasizes that early diagnosis and proper care can make a significant difference. Podiatrists at Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute recommend rest, ice, supportive footwear, and in some cases, physical therapy or custom orthotics. Most importantly, they advise against pushing through the pain, which could worsen symptoms.

While some children may need to take a short break from high-impact activities, others may still participate in low-impact sports, depending on the severity of their symptoms. The Institute strongly encourages families to consult a podiatrist to create a customized treatment plan tailored to each child’s needs.

The full report is now available on the Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute’s podiatry blog, and is part of the practice’s broader effort to promote foot health education and early intervention for pediatric conditions.

Those interested in finding out more about the Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute are encouraged to visit their Virginia foot and toe clinic.

Media Contact
Company Name: Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute
Contact Person: Dr. Shruti A. Patel, MS, DPM, AACFAS
Email: Send Email
Phone: 1 571-619-8923
Address:8320 Old Courthouse Rd # 401
City: Vienna
State: VA 22182
Country: United States
Website: https://chesapeakefai.com/