Sever’s Disease
Discover medically designed orthotic arch support insoles that help relieve heel pain, plantar fasciitis, flat feet and over-pronation, while keeping you comfortable all day. Each insole is developed by Australian podiatrists to support proper foot alignment and reduce strain with every step.
MEDICAL-GRADE INSOLES
Childrens Heel Pain (Sever's Disease)
Heel pain is a common foot complaint that can affect people of all ages. It may develop gradually or occur after an injury, and the location and type of pain can provide clues about the underlying cause. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, but heel pain can also be caused by other conditions affecting the bones, tendons, nerves, muscles or soft tissues of the foot. Understanding what may be causing your heel pain can help you choose appropriate treatment and know when professional assessment is needed.
Footlogics Kids Full-Length
supports growing feet and eases flat feet, fallen arches and heel pain in kids’ shoes
Footlogics Kids 3/4-length
3/4-length arch support for growing feet, made to fit kids’ slip-on school shoes
What Is Heel Pain?
Heel pain refers to pain felt in or around the heel of the foot.
The heel contains several structures that work together to support your body weight and absorb forces when you stand, walk and run.
These include the heel bone, plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, muscles, nerves and other soft tissues.
Pain can occur underneath the heel, at the back of the heel or around the sides.
The location of the pain, when it occurs and what activities make it worse can help a healthcare professional identify the possible cause.
What Are the Common Causes of Heel Pain?
Heel pain can have several different causes.
Common causes include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Heel bursitis
- Heel fractures or stress fractures
- Nerve irritation
- Certain types of arthritis
- Overuse or repetitive stress
- Foot structure or biomechanical factors
- Wearing inappropriate or poorly fitting footwear
Plantar fasciitis is particularly common when pain is felt underneath the heel and is worse with the first steps after getting out of bed or after a period of rest.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain underneath the heel.
The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, extending from the heel bone towards the toes. It helps support the arch of the foot and contributes to the way the foot absorbs and transfers forces during movement.
Repeated loading and stress on the plantar fascia can cause pain around its attachment to the heel bone.
Plantar fasciitis is not simply an inflammation of the plantar fascia. The condition can involve changes to the tissue associated with repeated loading and irritation.
What Does Plantar Fasciitis Heel Pain Feel Like?
A common symptom is a sharp or stabbing pain underneath the heel.
The pain is often most noticeable:
- With the first steps after getting out of bed
- After sitting or resting for a long period
- When starting to walk after inactivity
- After prolonged standing or walking
- During or after exercise
For some people, the pain may become less noticeable after they start moving, although it can return after prolonged activity or rest.
Symptoms vary from person to person and are not always caused by plantar fasciitis.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis can develop when repeated stress is placed on the plantar fascia.
Factors that may contribute include:
- Repetitive walking, running or other physical activity
- Sudden increases in activity levels
- Prolonged standing
- Tight calf muscles
- Certain foot structures
- Flat feet or high arches in some individuals
- Excess body weight
- Age-related changes
- Inappropriate or poorly fitting footwear
Having one of these factors does not necessarily mean that you will develop plantar fasciitis.
Risk Factors for Heel Pain
Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing heel pain.
These include:
- Running or participating in high-impact sports
- Spending long periods standing or walking
- Sudden increases in physical activity
- Wearing unsupportive or poorly fitting footwear
- Tight calf muscles
- Certain foot structures
- Increasing age
- Excess body weight
- Previous foot or ankle problems
- Repetitive stress on the feet
The combination of several factors may increase the amount of stress placed on the structures around the heel.
Heel Pain From Over-Pronation
Pronation is a normal part of walking. It allows the foot to adapt to the ground and absorb forces.
However, some people may experience excessive or poorly controlled pronation, which can alter the way forces are distributed through the foot and lower limb.
This may contribute to increased stress on certain structures in people who are susceptible to heel pain.
Flat feet and over-pronation do not automatically cause heel pain. A professional assessment can help determine whether foot mechanics are contributing to your symptoms.
How Does Footwear Affect Heel Pain?
Footwear can influence the amount of pressure and impact experienced by your feet.
Shoes that do not provide adequate cushioning, support or stability may aggravate symptoms in some people.
Consider footwear that:
- Fits comfortably
- Provides enough room for the toes
- Holds the heel securely
- Provides appropriate cushioning
- Provides suitable support for your foot
- Is appropriate for your activity
- Is not excessively worn
If a particular type of footwear consistently increases your heel pain, changing to a more suitable option may help reduce discomfort.
What Is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop on the heel bone.
Heel spurs may occur in association with long-term stress around the attachment of the plantar fascia or other structures.
Importantly, having a heel spur does not necessarily mean that it is the cause of your pain. Many people have heel spurs without experiencing symptoms.
For this reason, treating the underlying cause of heel pain is generally more important than simply treating the presence of a heel spur.
How Is Heel Pain Diagnosed?
A doctor, podiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional can assess heel pain by examining your foot and discussing your symptoms.
They may assess:
- The exact location of the pain
- When the pain occurs
- Your walking pattern
- Foot structure
- Range of motion
- Muscle and tendon function
- Areas of tenderness
- Your footwear
- Recent changes in activity
- Previous injuries
Imaging is not always necessary.
X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be recommended in certain situations, particularly when a healthcare professional needs to investigate another possible cause of heel pain or when symptoms are persistent or unusual.
How Is Heel Pain Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain.
Many cases of common heel pain can initially be managed with conservative measures.
Treatment may include:
- Rest or reducing aggravating activities
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Physiotherapy
- Appropriate footwear
- Orthotic support where appropriate
- Ice or other pain-management measures
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Gradually returning to physical activity
More advanced treatments may sometimes be considered when symptoms do not improve with conservative management.
Exercises for Heel Pain
Stretching and strengthening exercises can form an important part of managing conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Exercises may include:
Calf Stretches
Gentle calf stretching can help maintain flexibility around the ankle and lower leg.
Plantar Fascia Stretching
Specific stretches for the plantar fascia may help reduce discomfort and improve flexibility.
Calf Raises
Controlled heel raises can strengthen the calf and lower-leg muscles and improve the ability of the foot and ankle to handle load.
Foot and Ankle Strengthening
Exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the foot and ankle may help improve overall function.
Exercises should be appropriate for your individual condition. If an exercise increases your pain significantly, stop and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Other Treatment Options for Persistent Heel Pain
If heel pain continues despite conservative treatment, a healthcare professional may recommend additional treatment depending on the underlying cause.
Possible treatments may include:
- Physiotherapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Medication where appropriate
- Corticosteroid injection in selected cases
- Other specialist treatments
- Surgery in uncommon cases where other treatments have not been successful
The appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis. Surgery is rarely required for common plantar fasciitis.
Can Orthotics Help With Heel Pain?
Orthotic insoles may help some people with heel pain by providing cushioning and support and by changing how pressure is distributed through the foot.
For people whose heel pain is associated with plantar fasciitis, an appropriate orthotic may help support the arch and reduce stress on the plantar fascia during standing and walking.
Heel cushioning can also help reduce the impact experienced by the heel.
However, orthotics are not a cure for every cause of heel pain and are not necessary for everyone.
Their suitability depends on the underlying condition, foot structure, symptoms, footwear and activity level.
Who May Benefit From Additional Foot Support?
Additional foot support may be worth discussing with a podiatrist or other healthcare professional if you:
- Experience recurring heel pain
- Have symptoms consistent with plantar fasciitis
- Have flat feet or fallen arches associated with symptoms
- Experience excessive pronation
- Spend long periods standing or walking
- Participate regularly in running or high-impact activities
- Experience foot fatigue during the day
- Need additional arch or heel support in your footwear
The right level and type of support varies between individuals.
Footlogics Insoles for Heel Pain
If additional foot support is appropriate for you, Footlogics offers orthotic insoles designed to provide different levels of arch support, cushioning and stability.
For heel pain, particularly when associated with plantar fasciitis or foot mechanics such as over-pronation, the following Footlogics products may be relevant.
Footlogics Plantar Fasciitis
Footlogics Plantar Fasciitis is designed specifically for people experiencing plantar fascia and heel-related discomfort.
It features Podflex support and a 6-degree rearfoot varus wedge, along with cushioning designed to provide support and comfort during walking and everyday activities.
It may be suitable for people experiencing plantar fasciitis, heel pain or associated foot mechanics that contribute to discomfort.
Footlogics 3/4 PRO
Footlogics 3/4 PRO provides additional arch and heel support in a shorter 3/4-length design.
Its shorter length can be useful for footwear where a full-length insole may not be suitable or where additional space is needed in the toe area.
It may be considered for people who require additional arch and heel support for everyday footwear.
Footlogics Versa
Footlogics Versa is designed for compatible women's footwear and provides additional arch and heel support.
It may be suitable for people who experience heel discomfort alongside flat feet, fallen arches or over-pronation.
Footwear Size Guide
Select your EU shoe size for the best fit
| EU | US | UK | CM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 5 | 2.5 | 22.5 |
| 36 | 5.5 | 3.5 | 23 |
| 37 | 6.5 | 4 | 23.5 |
| 38 | 7 | 5 | 24.5 |
| 39 | 8 | 5.5 | 25 |
| 40 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 25.5 |
| 41 | 9.5 | 7 | 26.5 |
| 42 | 10 | 8 | 27 |
| 43 | 11 | 9 | 28 |
Fitting Tips
- Measure your feet in the evening when they are slightly larger
- If between sizes, choose the larger size for comfort
- Consider the thickness of socks you typically wear