Risk Factors for Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is a heel condition seen in growing children, especially during growth spurts when bones develop quickly. It involves irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel, an area of soft, developing bone. Several risk factors increase the chance of Sever’s disease. High-impact activities like running and jumping place repeated stress on the heel. Tight calf muscles can pull on the heel and increase strain. Limited ankle motion may also add pressure. Poor foot alignment, including flat feet or high arches, can change how weight is distributed. Wearing worn or low-cushioned athletic shoes and playing on hard surfaces further increases the risk. Increased body weight and rapid growth can also contribute. A podiatrist can provide medical treatment to reduce stress on the heel and support healing. If your active child experiences heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Paul Drucker from NYC Foot Care, PC. 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 offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Plantar Fasciitis Facts

Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, causing heel pain and discomfort. Symptoms include sharp pain with the first steps in the morning, swelling, and tenderness along the bottom of the foot. It is commonly caused by overuse of the foot, excessive standing, or walking for long periods, which strain the plantar fascia. Risk factors include obesity, improper footwear, tight calf muscles, and high-impact activities. A podiatrist can provide a thorough assessment, recommend stretching and strengthening exercises, suggest supportive footwear or orthotics, and create a tailored treatment plan to reduce pain and prevent recurrence. If you have consistent heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can begin a relief and treatment plan that is right for you.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Paul Drucker from NYC Foot Care, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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What Causes Pain in the Ball of the Foot

Pain in the ball of the foot can make everyday activities such as walking or standing uncomfortable. This area of the foot contains the metatarsal bones, which are the long bones that connect the middle of the foot to the toes. Several different problems can cause pain in this region. Common causes include stress fractures, nerve irritation, inflammation of the joints, or a condition called metatarsalgia, which develops when too much pressure is placed on the front of the foot. Because many conditions produce similar symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the exact cause during a basic exam. Imaging tests may be helpful in these situations. MRI scans allow podiatrists to see bones and soft tissues in greater detail. This helps identify the true source of the problem. If you have ongoing pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Paul Drucker from NYC Foot Care, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Fastpitch Softball and Injuries to the Feet and Ankles

Fastpitch softball is a competitive form of softball in which the pitcher delivers the ball at high speed using a fast underhand motion. The game moves quickly and requires players to sprint, pivot, slide, and react in seconds. These fast, powerful movements place repeated stress on the lower extremities, especially the feet and ankles. Players often experience ankle sprains, Achilles tendon irritation, plantar fascia strain, and stress injuries in the bones of the foot. Quick directional changes and sudden stops can also strain muscles and tendons in the lower leg. Cleats that fit properly and provide good support help reduce excess movement inside the shoe. Additionally, stretching and warm-up activities may prepare the muscles and tendons for the demands of play. If pain in the foot, ankle, or lower leg continues during the season, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Paul Drucker from NYC Foot Care, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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