Children and young teenagers who have heel pain may have a foot condition that is known as Sever’s disease. It can affect people in this age group who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. It can happen as a result of bones that grow faster than the muscles and tendons in the heel, and this can cause the calf muscles to tighten. Common symptoms that are often experienced with Sever’s disease include swelling, tenderness when the heel is touched, and the patient may walk on their toes due to the pain. Relief and treatment can begin with stopping the activity that caused the condition, followed by performing specific stretches that may ease the pain. A calf stretch is generally successful in improving flexibility in the feet and calves. This is done by standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. The pain typically stops when the growth spurt has been completed, and may return if another growth spurt takes place. If your child has heel pain, please consult a podiatrist who can determine if it is Sever’s disease, and offer correct treatment options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Institute at One Oak Medical. 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 Wayne, Paramus, Clifton, Montclair, Clifton, Edison, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Maintaining good foot health is essential to ensuring that your entire body is healthy and intact. It is estimated that millions of people across the United States experience some foot pain or condition because of ill-fitting shoes. Therefore, knowing how shoes ought to fit your feet and what to look for when you go shoe shopping can positively impact the health and vitality of your feet. While each person’s shoe shopping experience is unique, there are several rules of thumb that might apply to everyone. First, you might be especially mindful of finding a shoe that mirrors the shape of your foot. Although it might seem obvious, many people overlook how important it is to select shoes that are not smaller or narrower than the natural shape of their own foot. Additionally, one must be mindful of the fact that shoe sizes are not uniform across brands or shoe types. Therefore, instead of relying exclusively on your numerical shoe size when shopping, you might consider using these numbers as guides, focusing more on the fit of the shoe than the size. Lastly, look for shoes that provide adequate space in the toe box of the shoe. In a good-fitting pair of shoes, your longest toe will not rest flush against the front of the shoe. Leave at most one half an inch between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. For more tips on how to shop for a good pair of shoes, consult a podiatrist. 

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Institute at One Oak Medical. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Wayne, Paramus, Clifton, Montclair, Clifton, Edison, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Your feet are a critical component of your overall physical health, and keeping them healthy requires taking deliberate steps to prevent common foot afflictions. One such affliction that can pose a significant threat to the health of your feet is athlete’s foot. This fungal infection usually affects the skin in between the toes and on the bottoms of the feet, resulting in flaking and itching sensations. This troublesome condition is typically acquired when someone walks barefoot on wet surfaces used by other people in locker rooms, gyms, and public pools. There are a number of steps you can take to decrease your chances of developing athlete’s foot. First and foremost, you can consider wearing flip-flops or shower shoes whenever using public showers or walking on moist, public surfaces. Additionally, since athlete’s foot thrives in wet environments, you might change your socks and alternate shoes everyday to ensure that your socks and shoes are completely dry and free of any harmful bacteria. Lastly, you could consider washing your feet everyday with soap and drying them completely with a towel to keep them clean and dry. Making an appointment with a podiatrist might help you learn of other ways to prevent athlete’s foot. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Institute at One Oak Medical.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Wayne, Paramus, Clifton, Montclair, Clifton, Edison, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.