Sever’s disease is a painful heel condition that affects growing children and teenagers. It develops when repeated stress irritates the growth plate at the back of the heel. A growth plate is an area of developing tissue near the end of a bone. During a growth spurt, the heel bone can grow faster than nearby muscles and tendons. This can create tension where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. Children who participate in running or jumping activities can place repeated pressure on this area, making irritation and pain more likely.

Heel pain is the main symptom of Sever’s disease. The pain can affect one heel or both heels and can become worse with physical activity. The heel can also feel tender when squeezed. Some children develop swelling or redness around the painful area. They can begin limping or walking on their toes to avoid pressure on the heel. Sports that involve frequent running and jumping can increase the risk. Tight calf muscles and a tight Achilles tendon can also place more stress on the heel. Sever’s disease does not cause permanent damage to the growth plate.

A podiatrist can evaluate heel pain and determine whether Sever’s disease is responsible for the symptoms. The examination can include checking the heel for tenderness and assessing how the foot and ankle move. A podiatrist can also evaluate walking patterns and foot structure to identify factors that place extra stress on the heel. Treatment focuses on reducing irritation and protecting the growth plate while it heals. A podiatrist can recommend activity changes, supportive devices, or appropriate stretches based on the child’s condition. Care can help relieve pain and support a safe return to normal activities. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer effective relief tips for Sever's disease. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rare foot conditions can cause unusual pain, stiffness, or changes in the structure of the feet. One example is a complex regional pain syndrome. It often begins after an injury and can cause persistent burning pain, swelling, and skin changes. Symptoms may make it difficult to move the affected foot comfortably. Another rare condition is tarsal coalition, which occurs when two bones in the foot are connected where a movable joint would normally be present. Although people are born with this condition, pain may not appear until later in life.

Tarsal coalition can make the foot stiff and more likely to experience sprains or other injuries. Reduced movement may also place greater stress on nearby joints and contribute to early osteoarthritis. Another uncommon problem is Bessel-Hagen disease. This inherited condition causes abnormal bony growths that can affect the feet and other areas of the body. Some growths cause no discomfort, while others can become painful if they press against nerves or interfere with normal movement. These rare foot conditions can affect mobility in different ways, making an accurate diagnosis important.

A podiatrist can evaluate unexplained foot pain and determine whether a rare foot disorder may be contributing to the symptoms. Medical imaging may be used to identify conditions such as tarsal coalition. Depending on the diagnosis, professional treatment may include foot orthotics or other approaches designed to improve function. Surgery may be considered in certain cases when a condition seriously limits foot mobility. Some rare foot diseases may produce few noticeable symptoms, which can make professional assessment especially valuable when unexplained problems continue. A podiatrist can determine the source of discomfort and develop a treatment plan based on the specific condition. If unexplained foot pain, stiffness, or structural changes are affecting your comfort or mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma develops when tissue surrounding a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes thickened and irritated. It usually affects the area between the third and fourth toes, although it can develop between other toes. The condition can cause burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot and toes. Some patients describe the feeling as having a small pebble inside the shoe. Pain can become more noticeable when walking or placing pressure on the front of the foot. Wearing tight shoes and high heels can squeeze the toes together and place added pressure on the irritated nerve.

Several factors can contribute to Morton’s neuroma. Foot structure can affect how pressure is distributed across the front of the foot. Flat feet, high arches, and bunions can increase stress in this area. Activities that repeatedly place pressure on the ball of the foot can also irritate the nerve. A podiatrist can examine the painful area and evaluate how the foot moves when walking. X-rays can help rule out other problems, including arthritis or a stress fracture. Ultrasounds or other digital imaging can provide a closer look at the soft tissues when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Treatment from a podiatrist focuses on reducing pressure around the affected nerve and relieving pain. Custom orthotics can improve foot support and redistribute pressure away from the painful area. A podiatrist can also recommend changes in shoe style and fit to provide more room across the toes. Persistent or severe symptoms may require surgery to remove damaged nerve tissue or release structures that are placing pressure on it. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the problem. If you have symptoms of Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop when the feet experience repeated pressure or friction. Although they are similar, they often appear in different ways. Calluses usually cover a wider area and commonly develop on weight-bearing parts of the foot, such as the sole. Corns are typically smaller and may form on or between the toes. They can have a firm center that becomes painful when pressed. Poorly fitting footwear, changes in foot structure, and certain walking patterns can increase pressure on specific areas. Corns and calluses are the skin’s response to repeated stress, but ongoing discomfort may indicate that the source of pressure needs professional attention.

Symptoms depend on the location and thickness of the affected skin. A callus may feel rough or hardened, while a corn can cause more focused pain when walking or wearing shoes. Some corns develop between the toes, where moisture can make the skin softer. Changes in toe position or foot shape may also create areas where skin repeatedly rubs against footwear. People with diabetes or poor circulation should take areas of damaged or thickened skin seriously, because foot complications can become more difficult to manage. Recurring corns and calluses should be evaluated to identify what is causing continued pressure or friction.

A podiatrist can examine corns and calluses and determine whether foot structure, footwear, or walking mechanics are contributing to the problem. Professional podiatric care may include safely reducing thickened skin and addressing areas of excessive pressure. A podiatrist can also evaluate related conditions, such as bunions or toe deformities, that may contribute to recurring symptoms. Treatment is based on the location and cause of the problem, with the goal of improving comfort and protecting foot health. If painful or recurring corns and calluses are making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.