Understanding Severs Disease and Osgood-Schlatter’s in Active Children
If your child is complaining of persistent heel or knee pain, especially during or after sport, it’s often labelled as “just growing pains.”
But in many cases, it’s actually something more specific and more treatable.
Two of the most common causes we see at The Health Hub in Haywards Heath are Sever’s Disease and Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease. While both are linked to growth, they’re not something children simply have to “push through.”
With the right approach, we can reduce pain, keep them active, and prevent longer-term issues.
What Are Growing Pains (Really)?
True “growing pains” tend to be:
- Vague, aching discomfort (often in both legs)
- Worse in the evenings or at night
- Not directly linked to activity
If your child has localised pain (one specific spot) that worsens with running, football, gymnastics or PE… it’s likely something else.
Sever’s Disease (Heel Pain in Active Kids)
Sever’s Disease (also known as calcaneal apophysitis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain in children aged 8–14.
It happens when:
- The heel bone is still developing
- The calf muscles and Achilles tendon pull on the growth plate
- Repetitive sport creates irritation and inflammation
Typical signs:
- Pain at the back or bottom of the heel
- Limping after sport
- Worse with running, jumping or football
- Tenderness when squeezing the heel
Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain Below the Kneecap)
Osgood-Schlatter affects the knee, specifically where the patellar tendon attaches below the kneecap.
It’s common in slightly older children (10–16), especially those involved in:
- Football
- Rugby
- Running
- Gymnastics
Typical signs:
- Pain just below the kneecap
- A visible or tender “bump” on the shin
- Pain when kneeling, squatting or sprinting
- Stiffness after activity
Why Do These Conditions Happen?
During growth spurts:
- Bones grow quickly
- Muscles and tendons can become tight
- Repeated loading from sport increases stress on growth plates
This combination creates irritation at specific attachment points, leading to pain.
The Biggest Myth: “They Just Need to Rest”
This is where many parents get stuck.
While short-term rest can help settle symptoms, complete rest isn’t the solution and often leads to:
- Deconditioning
- Frustration (especially in sporty kids)
- Pain returning as soon as activity resumes
Instead, the goal is to manage load and improve how the body handles it.
How Treatment Can Help
At The Health Hub, we take a structured approach:
1. Accurate Diagnosis
We identify exactly what’s causing the pain (and rule out anything more serious).
2. Load Management
Rather than stopping sport completely, we guide:
- How much they can safely do
- What to modify
- When to push and when to rest
3. Targeted Exercise Programme
We work on:
- Strength (especially quads, hamstrings, calves)
- Flexibility
- Control and movement patterns
This reduces strain on the growth areas.
4. Hands-On Treatment
Where appropriate, we use:
- Soft tissue work
- Joint mobilisation
- Techniques to reduce muscle tension
5. Advice on Footwear & Support
Small changes (like footwear or heel raises) can make a big difference, especially with Sever’s.
Can They Keep Playing Sport?
In most cases, yes.
With the right guidance, many children can continue participating at a modified level while recovering.
The key is:
- Avoiding the “boom and bust” cycle
- Catching it early
- Having a clear plan
When Should You Get It Checked?
If your child has:
- Pain lasting more than 1–2 weeks
- Pain that’s getting worse
- Limping or avoiding activity
- Pain affecting performance or confidence
…it’s worth getting assessed.
The Bottom Line
Sever’s Disease and Osgood-Schlatter are common — but they’re not something children should just “grow out of” without support.
With the right treatment, we can:
- Reduce pain
- Keep them active
- Prevent it from becoming a longer-term problem
Need Help?
If your child is struggling with heel or knee pain, our team at The Health Hub in Haywards Heath can help guide you through it.
👉 Book an assessment today and get them back to doing what they love, pain-free.