April 2023

Sever’s disease is a condition that affects the heel of the foot. Children and young teenagers who are physically active may be prone to developing this ailment, which may cause the child to limp or walk on their tiptoes. It is defined as an inflammation of the muscles and tendons surrounding the growth plate in the heel, and it happens when this plate grows faster than the heel bone. This age group of children from 5 to 11 who frequently participate in running and jumping activities can develop this painful condition, which can be accompanied by swelling. Additional reasons why Sever's disease may happen can be from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, being overweight, or if one leg is shorter than the other. Treatment often begins with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the pain and elevating the affected foot as often as possible. Wearing custom-made orthotics may help the child to feel better, which can provide the necessary support as the healing process occurs. If your child has symptoms of Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively determine the cause of their heel pain, and treat it accordingly. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, PA. 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 Stuart and Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Seniors can be prone to bone fractures because their bones are older, more brittle, and crack easily. Also, people in this age group are more likely to have other health-related conditions, like osteoporosis, that lead to weakened bones or foot ailments caused by diabetes, putting them at further risk of falls and broken bones. Fractures to feet and ankles are also common. These fractures should be treated promptly because seniors may also have a compromised ability to heal. Participating in regular exercise and getting adequate amounts of vitamin D and calcium can help prevent bone fractures in this age group. More specific treatments depend on the location and severity of the bone breaks. If you are a senior or care for one, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help with fall prevention techniques as well as treat fractures that may occur in your feet and ankles.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

The arch of the foot is absent in people who have flat feet. This condition is noticeable when the foot remains completely flat when standing on the floor. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops in the teenage years. Existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, muscular dystrophy, and arthritis may lead to having flat feet as an adult. Treatment may be necessary if there is pain associated with this ailment. This can consist of wearing custom-made orthotics, performing specific foot stretches, and losing weight if applicable. It is beneficial to measure the feet before purchasing new shoes, in addition to allowing enough room in the top of the shoes. It can also help to wear shoes that have a low heel and to choose shoes that are suited to the activity being performed. It is suggested to people who have flat feet that they are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, PA. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Stuart and Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are a particular kind of condition of the foot that can be unsightly and potentially diminish the health of one’s feet. These warts can develop on the bottoms or soles of the feet. Many patients will often ask what plantar warts look like and how a person might go about identifying a plantar wart. The answer is that plantar warts on the feet fortunately all basically look similar, even though they may vary in size. For example, most plantar warts on the feet will be somewhat round in shape. Additionally, a plantar wart will most likely be flat as opposed to being raised. The plantar wart can also have an outer layer to the wart that is rough and tough in texture. Lastly, plantar warts will have a black dot at the center of the wart. If you are someone that is living with plantar warts it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist for treatment. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, PA. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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