Sever's Disease and Podiatric Care

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in children, named after JW Sever who first described the condition in 1912. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to overuse of the bones and tendons in the foot, often from running, jumping, or other high impact sports. Children with Sever's disease may experience pain at the back or bottom of the heel, limping, stiffness, and difficulty participating in physical activities. The condition is typically seen in active children during growth spurts. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity, recommend stretching and strengthening exercises, provide supportive footwear or orthotics, and guide activity modification. If your child has heel pain or is limping, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management 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.

Read more about Sever's Disease

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Poor Foot Circulation and How to Protect Your Feet

Poor foot circulation occurs when blood flow to the feet is reduced, limiting oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues. This condition can affect foot health by slowing wound healing, increasing the risk of infection, and causing muscle weakness or tissue damage. Common symptoms include cold feet, numbness, tingling, swelling, and cramping during activity. Risk factors include diabetes, peripheral artery disease, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle. Early recognition and management are essential to prevent complications. A podiatrist can assess circulation, evaluate underlying causes, recommend lifestyle modifications, provide specialized footwear, and monitor foot health to prevent ulcers or infections. If you have poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
  • Pain
  • Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Read more about Causes Symptoms and Treatment for Poor Circulation in the Feet

Toe Pain Caused by Sesamoiditis

Toe pain caused by sesamoiditis often develops when the small sesamoid bones beneath the big toe become irritated from repeated pressure during walking, running, or increased time on hard surfaces. These tiny bones act like pulleys that help the big toe move smoothly and absorb weight with each step. People usually describe a sharp ache directly under the big toe that worsens when pushing off the ground or bending the toe upward. Higher arched feet can place more force under this area, and shoes that lack adequate support, like thin flip-flops, can add further strain. A podiatrist can examine the toe, assess how the sesamoids are functioning, and use imaging to rule out issues like stress fractures. Treatment focuses on reducing pressure under the big toe with offloading inserts, wearing supportive shoes, and changes in activity. Surgery is reserved for rare cases involving ongoing pain or structural problems. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

Read more about Sesamoiditis

Have I Sprained My Ankle?

The ankle joint is defined as a hinge between the foot and the leg. There are bands of tissues that are referred to as ligaments, and these can tear as a result of a sprained ankle. This can happen as the ankle twists from falling, or while suddenly stepping off a curb. Common symptoms of an ankle sprain include severe pain, swelling,  and difficulty walking. If you have sprained your ankle, mild relief may be felt when the foot is elevated, and it is advised to refrain from putting any weight on the affected ankle. If you have injured your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help you to manage and treat this condition.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Pain

Connect With Us

scroll to top