The Signs and Symptoms of Sever's Disease

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a bone condition in which the growth plate of the heel bone becomes inflamed. This condition is most common among children between the ages of 8 and 15, especially those who participate in sports that require a lot of running or jumping. The signs and symptoms of Sever’s disease include pain or tenderness in one or both heels, swelling and redness in the heel, difficulty walking, discomfort or stiffness in the heel upon waking up in the morning, discomfort when the heel is squeezed on both sides, and developing an unusual walk, such as a limp or walking on tiptoes, to avoid putting pressure on the affected heel. If your child complains of heel pain, it is recommended that you take them to a podiatrist. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors 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 Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Effects of Trauma to the Feet

There are many factors that can go into why a person’s feet may be experiencing pain, one of which is trauma. When trauma or injury occurs to the foot, various complications may develop. The injured foot may begin to swell, feel tender, bruise, and become difficult to walk on. Trauma may also cause the foot, toes, and lower extremity regions to sprain or break. In order to properly treat trauma to the foot, it’s important that you get examined by a podiatrist who can give you a professional diagnosis, and determine the best treatment option to relieve your pain. If you have experienced trauma or injury to your foot, please consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible for prompt treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Muscle strains
  • Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
  • Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

  • Bruising
  • Inflammation/ Swelling
  • Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

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Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

What Can Cause a Foot Blister?

A blister is a fluid-filled pocket that forms on the outer layer of skin. The blister exists to protect and cushion the layers of skin below, so popping it is not recommended. Many people get blisters on their feet. This is typically due to friction from footwear rubbing repeatedly against the skin. Other causes of blisters include exposure to extreme temperatures, exposure to certain chemicals, crushing and pinching of blood vessels near the surface of the skin, and medical conditions such as chicken pox, eczema, and dyshidrosis. If you have a painful foot blister, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact James P. Huish, DPM of Arizona. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

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What Are the Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, is common and has many different treatments. Resting the foot limits its movements and allows time for healing. Icing the foot can decrease pain and swelling, as can taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. For when you need to be on your feet, orthotic shoe inserts can help cushion and support your foot. Doing certain stretches and strengthening exercises can increase the flexibility of your feet and make the plantar fascia stronger, thereby decreasing pain. In rarer cases, when conservative treatments have failed and pain interferes significantly with daily activities, surgery may become an option. To discover the best treatment options for you, seek the care of a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact James P. Huish, DPM  from Arizona. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

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