Sever’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Relief Options
Evidence-based relief for heel pain in active kids.
What is Severs Disease?
Sever’s disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in active children aged 8–15 years. It happens when repeated stress irritates the growth plate in the heel bone.
Common Symptoms
The following signs or symptoms may indicate Sever’s disease in a child:
- Pain at the back or underside of the heel
- Pain that worsens after sports or running
- Limping or walking on toes to avoid heel pressure
- Tenderness when the heel is squeezed
Recovery & Treatment Options
Most children recover in 2–8 weeks, but it can take longer in active sports seasons. Common management includes:
- Activity modification — reduce running/jumping temporarily
- Ice packs — after activity to reduce pain
- Stretching — gentle calf stretches to relieve tension
- Heel cups or orthoses — reduce pressure on the heel growth plate
How it works
Without or with a soft heel pad, the pressure will be concentrated just below the heel bone. The pressure is high and is causing the pain.
The rigid heel cup will distribute the load on a much larger area reducing the pressure and the pain. It works like a helmet for the heel.
Our 3D Printed Heel Cups
Customer reviews
Jeffrey
My son has been using these and LOVES them! This is the first time in more than 2 years that he can play sports pain-free ...
Emily
These are the only inserts that have given my 9 year old relief with his Severs disease in his heels. The specialist even said the ...
Research
Research shows that using a custom-molded rigid heel cup with a brim enclosing the heel pad resulted in significant pain relief without reducing physical activity.
When presented with a switched choice, over 75% preferred the custom-molded cup over more traditional insoles. In addition, all children maintained a high level of physical activity.
Heel cups provide an effective heel pad support in the shoe. For more information, see 21410537, 20673253, or 20492591.
Price
$53
1 pair$65
2 pairsBuy two pairs for less switching between shoes and free shipping.
$78
3 pairsBuy three pairs ensuring optimum results and free shipping.
Design - Print - Ship
A close design around the heel is needed. Age, gender, and shoe size are used to design the heel cup specifically for your child. This design is then 3D printed and shipped within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about MyHeelCup and Sever's disease
Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is the most common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, typically between ages 8-15. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress from sports and activities.
MyHeelCup uses custom-molded rigid heel cups that distribute pressure across a larger area of the heel, reducing concentrated stress on the growth plate. This design acts like a helmet for the heel, minimizing pain while allowing continued activity during healing. Research shows that custom-molded heel cups provide significant pain relief and are preferred by over 75% of users.
MyHeelCup is custom-designed based on your child's age, gender, and shoe size, then 3D-printed for a precise fit. Unlike soft heel pads, our rigid heel cups with a brim enclosing the heel pad maximize the thickness of the heel pad and provide superior pressure distribution. Clinical research shows custom-molded heel cups are more effective than traditional insoles.
We ship within 48 hours of receiving your order. Once your child's measurements are processed, we 3D-print the custom heel cups and ship them directly to you.
If MyHeelCup does not meet your expectations, we offer a full refund. We're confident in our product's effectiveness, which is backed by scientific research and loved by children worldwide.
Yes! Research shows that children using custom-molded heel cups maintain high levels of physical activity. Our design minimizes pressure on the heel bone, allowing kids to stay active while healing.
MyHeelCup is designed for children typically between 8-15 years old who are experiencing heel pain from Sever's disease. The custom design is tailored to each child's specific design generated from the age, gender, and shoe size.
We recommend ordering at least two pairs for less switching between shoes, or three pairs for optimum results. Multiple pairs also qualify for free shipping.
Yes! Multiple peer-reviewed studies support the effectiveness of custom-molded rigid heel cups for Sever's disease. Research shows significant pain relief without reducing physical activity, with over 75% of children preferring custom-molded cups over traditional insoles. See PubMed studies: 21410537, 20673253, and 20492591.
MyHeelCup heel cups are made from medical-grade plastic using advanced 3D printing technology. The rigid design provides the necessary support to distribute pressure effectively across the heel.