Is your young athlete suddenly limping off the soccer field or complaining of sharp pain in their heels after basketball practice? If they are between the ages of 8 and 14, they might not just be “sore”—they could be experiencing Sever’s Disease (calcaneal apophysitis).

At Vertical Chiropractic of Sarasota, we specialize in pediatric extremity care, helping Florida’s active kids get back on their feet without relying on constant anti-inflammatories or permanent downtime.

What is Sever’s Disease?

Despite the intimidating name, Sever’s isn’t actually a “disease.” It is a painful inflammation of the growth plate located at the back of the heel.

In growing children, bones often grow faster than the muscles and tendons can stretch. This creates a “tug-of-war” effect where the tight Achilles tendon pulls on the relatively soft growth plate of the heel bone (calcaneus).

Common Signs Your Child Needs Pediatric Extremity Care

If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to evaluate their alignment:

  • Heel Pain: Usually starts after starting a new sports season or a sudden growth spurt.
  • The “Toe Walk”: Walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel.
  • Squeezing Sensitivity: Pain when you squeeze the very back of the heel bone.
  • Stiffness: Increased discomfort first thing in the morning.

Why the “Wait and See” Approach Fails

Many parents are told their child will simply “grow out of it.” While the growth plate will eventually fuse, leaving the condition unaddressed can lead to compensatory injuries. When a child changes the way they walk to avoid heel pain, they put undue stress on their ankles, knees, and hips.

The Vertical Chiropractic Approach to Pediatric Extremities

In our Sarasota office, we don’t just look at the heel; we look at the entire kinetic chain. Our goal is to reduce tension and restore proper biomechanics.

  1. Neurological Assessment: We ensure the nervous system is communicating properly with the lower extremities to manage inflammation.
  2. Extremity Adjustments: Gentle, precise adjustments to the foot and ankle bones to ensure they are moving correctly.
  3. Soft Tissue Support: Identifying tightness in the calves and Achilles tendon that may be aggravating the growth plate.
  4. Gait Analysis: Evaluating how your child moves to prevent future issues in the knees and lower back.

Tips for Home Management

While we work on the underlying alignment, you can help manage symptoms at home:

  • Proper Footwear: Avoid completely flat shoes like flip-flops or worn-out cleats.
  • Stretching: Focus on gentle calf stretches (never stretch to the point of sharp pain).
  • Icing: Applying ice to the back of the heel for 15 minutes after physical activity.

Get Your Athlete Back in the Game

Don’t let heel pain sideline your child’s season. If you’re looking for expert pediatric extremity care in Sarasota, Vertical Chiropractic is here to help your child heal naturally and perform at their best.

Contact Vertical Chiropractic of Sarasota today to schedule a pediatric evaluation!

📍 Serving families in the heart of Sarasota

👉 Schedule your child’s evaluation today
📞 Call or Text: (941) 413-5099
💻 www.VerticalChiroFlorida.com