Items filtered by date: December 2019

If you have a teenager that frequently participates in sporting activities, it is beneficial to be informed about Sever’s disease. Your child may be experiencing the symptoms of Sever’s disease if you notice they are limping, or talking about heel pain.The most common age range this condition occurs in is typically between the ages of eight and fourteen. It occurs during growth spurts when the bones grow at a faster rate than the tendons. The symptoms many teenagers complain about can consist of heel pain while walking, and difficulty participating in activities that include running and jumping. Moderate relief may be found when the affected foot is kept elevated. Other patients have also found it beneficial to stretch the calf muscles. Additionally, wearing shoes that have adequate cushioning may help the foot to feel stable. If you feel your child has Sever’s disease, it is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can recommend the proper treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. 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 one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Stress fractures refer to having small breaks in the bone, commonly found in the second and third metatarsals of the foot. Stress fractures may not be obvious at first, however they tend to worsen overtime if not treated, and can be very painful. They typically occur due to overuse in a sporting activity, and can be prevented by gradually intensifying your workout and properly warming up before practicing an intense, high energy activity. It’s also important you wear footwear that gives your feet needed support, especially if you are running or jogging on uneven, or rugged surfaces. In terms of treatment, it is suggested that you get plenty of rest, treat the area with ice, and keep the foot elevated to avoid further swelling. We recommend you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and an advised treatment plan.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people worldwide are familiar with heel pain. The heel typically absorbs the weight of the body, and can endure significant damage if there is an injury involved. A common form of heel pain can come from plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is a band of tissue that is located at the bottom of the foot, and connects the heel to the toes. This type of pain generally develops gradually, and can come from standing for the majority of the day. Sever’s disease affects teenagers, and targets the growth plate in the heel. This can cause considerable pain and discomfort. The condition that is referred to as tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by a compressed nerve that is inside the ankle. The symptoms that patients notice can include a burning or tingling sensation underneath the heel. If you are experiencing any type of heel pain, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Orthotics are special, custom-made foot or heel inserts that are normally prescribed by a podiatrist to help treat foot, leg, or back issues. You may need orthotics if you are experiencing foot deformities, need assistance in the overall function of the foot, are seeking support for your ankle, or you are trying to reduce the risk of other foot related injuries. Orthotics help to treat a number of issues concerning the feet such as arthritis, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis. If you have any of these conditions or are experiencing foot pain, we recommend you seek the assistance of a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis, and to see if orthotics are the best treatment option for your discomfort.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.