26 Jan Physiotherapy for Sever’s Disease in Oranmore – Galway Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children and teenagers, particularly during growth spurts. At Galway Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation in Oranmore, we regularly treat children experiencing heel pain caused by Sever’s disease and help them return to sport safely and confidently.
Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, Sever’s disease is not a serious condition, but without proper management it can significantly limit a child’s activity and enjoyment of sport. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for Sever’s disease, offering both pain relief and long-term prevention.
What Is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease occurs when repetitive stress is placed on the growth plate at the back of the heel bone. During growth spurts, the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, particularly the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. This creates tension on the growth plate, leading to heel pain, tenderness, and stiffness.
Symptoms often worsen during running, jumping, or sports such as football, GAA, athletics, and basketball — all popular activities among children in Oranmore and the wider Galway area.
How Physiotherapy Helps Sever’s Disease
1. Accurate Assessment and Pain Relief
At Galway Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, our physiotherapists carry out a thorough assessment to confirm Sever’s disease and rule out other causes of heel pain. Early treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation through activity modification, taping, and advice on symptom management.
2. Stretching Tight Calf Muscles
Tight calves are a major contributor to Sever’s disease. Targeted stretching programmes help reduce tension on the Achilles tendon and heel growth plate, easing pain and improving flexibility during periods of rapid growth.
3. Strengthening and Load Control
Weak foot and ankle muscles can increase strain on the heel. Physiotherapy includes age-appropriate strengthening exercises to improve shock absorption, foot control, and overall lower-limb strength, helping the body cope better with sport and training loads.
4. Footwear and Biomechanical Advice
Our physiotherapists assess walking and running mechanics to identify contributing factors such as poor footwear or excessive foot pronation. Where appropriate, we may recommend supportive footwear, heel raises, or orthotics to reduce stress on the heel.
5. Safe Return to Sport
One of the biggest concerns for parents is knowing when their child can return to sport. Physiotherapy provides a structured, gradual return-to-sport plan, reducing the risk of flare-ups and ensuring a confident return to activity.
Physiotherapy for Sever’s Disease in Oranmore, Galway
While Sever’s disease usually resolves once growth is complete, early physiotherapy can significantly reduce pain, speed up recovery, and prevent recurring episodes. At Galway Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, we focus on keeping children active, comfortable, and confident throughout their growth years.
If your child is experiencing heel pain, early assessment and treatment can make a big difference.
Book an appointment with Galway Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation in Oranmore today to support your child’s recovery and return to sport.