Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children, particularly during growth spurts when the heel bone develops faster than the surrounding soft tissues. Symptoms include limping after sports, avoiding pressure on the heel, or walking on their toes to reduce discomfort. It may feel like a sharp ache at the back of the heel that worsens with running or jumping. The condition is usually caused by repetitive stress on the heel growth plate, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in activity. Helpful stretches include the soleus stretch, which gently lengthens the lower calf, and heel dips, which improve flexibility and reduce strain on the heel. A podiatrist can assist from the start by providing a clear diagnosis, assessing foot structure, and recommending personalized treatments. Among them are activity modification, stretching programs, supportive footwear, and orthotic devices. If your active child is experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. 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 office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Overuse injuries in young athletes often affect the growing bones and soft tissues of the feet and ankles. Repetitive stress from activities like running and jumping, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support can irritate the growth plates. These are areas of developing cartilage located near the ends of bones. Sever’s disease, which causes heel pain, or navicular stress from strain along the midfoot often occurs in active children. These injuries can lead to limping, swelling, and tenderness that interfere with walking or sports participation. Because their growth plates are still open, the risk of long-term problems increases if these injuries are not properly managed. A podiatrist can evaluate the foot structure, identify overuse patterns, and recommend orthotics, footwear adjustments, or other remedies to relieve strain and protect developing bones. If your active child shows signs of foot or ankle pain after sports activity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle joint stretch or tear. This injury is often caused by sudden twists, falls, uneven surfaces, or sports activities that put stress on the joint. The ankle may look swollen, bruised, or slightly deformed, and in severe cases it may appear unstable or misaligned. Many individuals feel sharp pain at the time of injury, followed by tenderness, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight or walking normally. Up to 70 percent of ankle sprains affect the lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle, and repeated sprains can lead to chronic instability if not treated properly. A podiatrist can start by evaluating the ankle, checking the range of motion, and using imaging if needed to rule out fractures. Treatment may include elevation, bracing, targeted exercises, and guidance on safe return to activity. Prompt professional care helps reduce recovery time and prevent long-term complications. If you experience persistent ankle pain or swelling after an injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the big toe joint can have many causes. It often happens when the bones, tendons, or soft tissues around the first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint become strained or inflamed. Conditions like gout, arthritis, bunions, or sesamoiditis can make the MTP joint stiff, swollen, and painful when walking. Repeated stress from sports, tight shoes, or wearing high heels can also irritate this joint, causing turf toe, tendonitis, or bursitis. A fracture or sprain can result from a direct injury, like stubbing the toe or dropping something heavy on it. If left untreated, pain in the big toe joint can limit movement or cause deformity. A podiatrist can examine the foot, order X-rays, and determine the cause of pain to prevent further joint damage. Treatment can relieve pressure on the toe, improve alignment, or involve surgery if needed. If you have pain in the joint of your big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.