Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, especially those active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress from running or jumping. Risk factors include rapid growth spurts, tight calf muscles, and poorly cushioned shoes. Symptoms often include heel tenderness, swelling, and pain that worsens with activity. A podiatrist can diagnose Sever’s disease through a thorough evaluation and recommend treatments such as stretching, rest, and proper footwear to relieve discomfort and prevent recurrence. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to get the expert care needed for lasting relief.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. 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 Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Strengthening the arches of your feet is an important step toward better stability, balance, and comfort. Simple exercises such as big toe movement and toe yoga can activate the small muscles that support the arch and improve overall foot function. These movements help train the foot to work more efficiently while walking and standing. A podiatrist can assess your arch strength, provide guidance on proper technique, and recommend additional exercises or supportive devices, when needed. If you want to improve your foot strength or reduce discomfort related to weak arches, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive expert care and a personalized relief plan that supports healthier feet.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This can lead to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. They often occur on the big toe and may be the result of trimming nails too short, wearing shoes that squeeze the toes, or even from an injury. Ingrown toenails can happen to anyone, though athletes and those on their feet for long periods of time may notice them more often. The discomfort can feel sharp and throbbing, making walking or wearing shoes difficult. Treatment may involve soaking the foot, gently lifting the nail edge, or, in more serious cases, a podiatrist may need to remove part of the nail. Prevention starts with cutting nails straight across and choosing properly fitted shoes. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper care.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.