Heel pain is a common issue affecting people of all ages. It could be due to high-intensity sports activities or repetitive stress. However, the underlying cause of heel pain differs in children and adults. Children may experience heel pain due to Sever’s disease, while adults may experience it due to Achilles tendonitis. But what exactly are these conditions? Let’s take a look at Sever’s disease vs. Achilles tendonitis!
Understanding the difference is key to choosing the right treatment — especially when symptoms seem similar. Once diagnosed correctly, finding an effective and supportive approach becomes much easier.
ANF Therapy®️ is a new and advanced treatment for Achilles tendonitis and Sever’s disease. It uses small circular frequency-charged ANF Devices. This therapy aims to activate your body’s natural healing process rather than just masking the symptoms.
Sever’s disease
Sever’s disease is characterized by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel (calcaneus bone). A growth plate is a soft cartilage at the ends of bones that allows bones to grow in length while a child grows.
It is common in children and adolescents during growth spurts. However, active children involved in sports activities such as running or jumping are more at risk of developing this condition.
Achilles tendonitis
Inflammation in the body’s strongest tendon, the Achilles tendon, leads to Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendonitis joins your calf muscles to your heel bone (calcaneus) and supports movements like running, walking, and jumping.
There are two types of Achilles tendonitis:
- Insertional Achilles tendonitis, which affects people who are relatively more active. In this type, degeneration and swelling occur in the fibres present in the middle of the tendon.
- Non-insertional Achilles tendonitis is caused by the overuse of tendons. In this type, the lower part of your heel becomes affected.
What is the difference between Achilles tendonitis and Sever's disease?
While Sever’s disease and Achilles tendonitis both affect the heel, there are certain differences between these two conditions. Let’s take a look at them:
Age group
Sever’s disease primarily affects children and adolescents, especially during growth spurts. The condition is most commonly seen in children between the ages of 8 and 14. It is more common in boys (79.59%) than girls (20.41%) and is often linked to sports participation
On the other hand, Achilles tendonitis is more common in adults, particularly those who engage in high-intensity sports or are physically active. Commonly affects adults, particularly athletes aged 25-40 years participating in high-impact sports. It also has a second peak in older adults (>60 years) due to degenerative changes.
Cause of pain
The primary cause of Sever’s disease is inflammation in the growth plate along with the heel bone (calcaneus), while Achilles tendonitis is caused by inflammation of the tendon attached to the calcaneus.
As the growth plate in the heel is still developing in children, excessive stress and strain can lead to swelling. On the other hand, in Achilles tendonitis, repeated stress results in micro-tears and swelling in the Achilles tendon itself.
Symptoms
Here are some symptoms people with Sever’s disease may experience:
- Heel pain during or after physical activity (e.g., running, jumping)
- Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid heel pressure
- Tenderness when squeezing the heel on both sides
- Swelling or redness in the heel
- Difficulty walking or participating in sports
- Stiffness in the feet, especially in the morning
In contrast, people with Achilles tendonitis often experience:
- Pain in the tendon or back of the heel, worsening with activity
- Swelling and tenderness along the tendon or at its insertion point
- Stiffness in the tendon, especially in the morning
- Thickening of the tendon in chronic cases
- Severe pain after physical activity
- Bone spurs at the tendon’s insertion
- Difficulty flexing the foot or pushing off with toes
Duration
Sever’s disease is temporary and resolves naturally as the child grows older, and the growth plate closes (around age 14–15). Proper management, such as rest and stretching exercises, usually does not cause long-term damage.
Conversely, Achilles tendonitis can become chronic if not treated properly. Repeated strain on the tendon can lead to degeneration (tendinosis) or even rupture in severe cases.
Sever's Disease vs Achilles Tendonitis: How ANF Therapy®️ Can Help
How ANF Therapy®️ Works for Sever's Disease and Achilles Tendonitis?
Both Sever’s Disease and Achilles Tendonitis can benefit from the principles of ANF Therapy®️, as it addresses pain, inflammation, and tissue repair. Here’s how the treatment works:
1. History
Your ANF Therapist will gather a detailed history to assess your symptoms and their impact on daily activities. Questions may include:
For Sever’s Disease:
- How long have you been experiencing heel pain?
- Has the pain worsened with physical activity?
- Have you recently started or increased sports activity?
- Are you experiencing pain only after physical activity, or does it persist throughout the day?
For Achilles Tendonitis:
- When did the pain in your Achilles tendon begin?
- Do you notice pain when you walk, run, or climb stairs?
- Have you increased your physical activity or experienced any trauma recently?
- Do you feel stiffness or tightness in your calf muscles?
2. Physical Examination
In the physical exam, your ANF Therapist will evaluate the affected area for tenderness, inflammation, and range of motion. They will also check for the following:
For Sever’s Disease:
- Palpation of the heel and Achilles tendon attachment for tenderness or swelling.
- Pain with resisted movements (e.g., calf raises) indicating overuse of the heel.
- Posture and gait analysis to check if compensations are contributing to the pain.
For Achilles Tendonitis:
- Palpation of the Achilles tendon for swelling, thickening, or tenderness.
- Range of motion tests to assess flexibility and movement restrictions in the ankle.
- Resisted movements (e.g., calf raises) to test for weakness and pain in the tendon.
- Biomechanical assessment to identify any movement patterns that may contribute to strain.
3. Application of ANF Devices
After evaluating your condition, your ANF Therapist will apply frequency-charged devices to your body. These include positive and negative anti-inflammatory devices, antioxidant devices (glutathione, melatonin, and carnosine), energy devices, nitric oxide devices, and many others designed to support all systems of your body.
Hydration is key during treatment, so make sure to drink 1-2 glasses of water per hour to stay hydrated and support detoxification and recovery.
4. Expected Outcome
According to Dr. Mikel H-G Hoff, the founder of ANF Therapy®️, patients with Sever’s Disease and Achilles Tendonitis typically experience significant improvement in pain reduction and mobility within the first session, often seeing a 50% improvement in symptoms. However, the extent of improvement can vary based on the severity and duration of the condition.5. Follow-Up
Regular follow-up visits with your ANF Therapist will be necessary to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan. ANF Devices will need to be changed every 72 hours to continue supporting healing and to ensure optimal results. The duration of treatment for these conditions varies, but most patients see significant improvement within 2–6 weeks, with full recovery depending on the severity of the injury.
Start Your Healing Journey with ANF Therapy®️
If you’re suffering from Sever’s Disease or Achilles Tendonitis, ANF Therapy®️ offers a drug-free solution that is designed to help you recover faster and restore your mobility. To start your treatment, consult an ANF Practitioner or find an ANF Therapist at www.anftherapy.com/find-clinic.
If you’re a healthcare professional and want to enhance your clinical expertise with frequency medicine, learn more about the ANF Clinical Education Program at www.anfacademy.com.
