Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in children, especially during growth spurts between ages 8 and 14. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress from sports or activity. A less commonly known fact is that Sever’s disease often appears in both heels, not just one. Symptoms include heel pain during or after activity, limping, walking on toes, and tenderness at the back of the heel. The heel may look normal but feels sore to the touch, especially after running or jumping. A podiatrist diagnoses Sever’s disease through a physical exam, symptom review, and sometimes imaging to rule out other conditions. Treatment includes rest, stretching exercises, heel cushions, supportive footwear, and sometimes custom orthotics to relieve pressure. If your child is dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. 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 Detroit, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Specific ways of walking, known as gait, affect how the feet, toes, and ankles bear weight. When pain appears in one area, such as toes, forefoot, midfoot, or heel, the body often shifts pressure to other areas without conscious effort. For instance, heel pain may lead to less pressure at the back of the foot but more under the forefoot. Pain in the arch can cause more force through the middle of the foot to maintain balance. If toes or the ball of the foot hurt, the push-off of each step becomes weaker causing other parts of the foot to take over. This can lead to discomfort in the feet or ankles. A podiatrist can carefully evaluate your gait, or walking pattern, identify where pressure is uneven, and recommend treatment to bring balance back to your foot function. If you have foot pain that may be related to changes in gait, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Detroit, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Surgery is an option for rebuilding the arch of the foot when the structure has collapsed and causes ongoing pain or instability. People with flat feet often experience discomfort in the arch, heel, or ankle, along with poor foot alignment that can lead to difficulty in walking. Flatfoot surgery involves shifting bone position, repairing ligaments, or replacing damaged tendons to support the arch. These changes improve foot function, reduce pain, and help prevent complications. A podiatrist can determine the appropriate surgical method based on the severity of the condition and how much the arch has collapsed. The advantages of flatfoot surgery include better foot support, improved posture, and relief from pressure along the inner foot and ankle. However, recovery can be lengthy and may involve risks such as infection, swelling, or poor bone healing. A podiatrist provides the necessary evaluation and guidance throughout the process. If you have foot pain caused by flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is a treatment option.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Pain around the heel or arch area
Trouble standing on the tip toe
Swelling around the inside of the ankle
Flat look to one or both feet
Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Detroit, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
