Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and tension from the Achilles tendon. Risk factors include participation in high-impact sports, rapid growth spurts, and footwear that lacks adequate support. Symptoms include heel pain, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort during physical activity. Stretching can help relieve tension and prevent further irritation. Calf stretches improve flexibility and reduce strain on the heel. Heel cord stretches and rolling the foot over a ball can ease tightness in the foot muscles. Additionally, strengthening the lower legs and wearing proper footwear provide additional support. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose foot conditions, including Sever’s disease.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Excess body weight can lead to foot pain by placing continual pressure on the feet, toes, and ankles. People with a higher body mass index, or BMI, are more likely to experience conditions like plantar heel pain, flat feet, and limited ankle movement. Extra fat mass also has been shown to affect foot posture, often leading to a low arch and increased pronation while walking. This altered foot function increases pressure on the bottom of the foot, especially under the heel and midfoot, often resulting in ongoing pain. Such changes can make walking or standing for long periods more difficult and may contribute to joint strain. A podiatrist can evaluate the structure and function of your feet, recommend ways to relieve discomfort, and discuss options if the pain becomes severe or persistent. If you have foot pain that may be connected to your weight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.
The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.
Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity
When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
Arthritis in the feet affects many people, with two major types being osteoarthritis, OA, and rheumatoid arthritis, RA. OA typically occurs due to wear and tear on the joints over time, while RA is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. Symptoms of both types of arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in the feet, often making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods ot time. A podiatrist can help manage arthritis by providing treatment to alleviate pain and improve function. For OA, they may recommend custom orthotics to provide support and reduce pressure on the joints. In cases of RA, a podiatrist might work with other healthcare providers to manage inflammation with medications, and suggest foot exercises to maintain mobility. They can also offer advice on footwear, stretching routines, and, in more severe cases, consider surgical options. If you have arthritis in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and mangement solutions.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
