Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in children and teens, especially those who are active in sports. It happens when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated from repeated stress or overuse. During growth spurts, the bones grow faster than the muscles and tendons, which can cause tightness and added pressure on the heel. Children with flat feet, high arches, or those who play sports like soccer or basketball are more likely to develop Sever's disease. Symptoms include heel pain, swelling, and limping, especially after activity. Rest, stretching exercises, and wearing supportive shoes can help relieve the pain. Custom orthotics may also provide extra support. Sever's disease usually goes away once the growth plates close, but if your child experiences continued heel pain, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate care.

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.

Cracked heels become a common concern during winter due to several factors that contribute to dryness and skin damage. Indoor heating systems create a dry environment that reduces moisture in the skin, leading to increased roughness and cracks. Many individuals also neglect proper hydration during colder months, which can cause the skin to become less supple and more prone to fissures. Wearing hard-soled shoes without adequate cushioning places excessive pressure on the heels, further aggravating the problem. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, zinc, and omega fatty acids, can weaken the skin barrier and impair healing. Cracked heels can be painful, causing difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment remedies, which may include prescription medicine.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Ball of the foot pain, medically known as metatarsalgia, often develops gradually and affects the area between the arch and toes, particularly around the metatarsal bones. Common symptoms of ball of the foot pain include a sharp, burning pain or the sensation of stepping on small stones. Some patients also experience numbness or tingling in the toes. Symptoms typically intensify with prolonged standing, walking, running, or when participating in high-impact sports like jumping. Wearing ill-fitting footwear, especially shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lack proper cushioning, can significantly contribute to discomfort. High heels frequently shift extra weight onto the front of the foot, further aggravating symptoms. Additionally, foot abnormalities such as high arches, longer second toes, bunions, or hammertoes increase susceptibility. For persistent discomfort, a podiatrist can assess your condition, perform diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRI scans, and provide customized treatment options, potentially including orthotics or surgery. If you experience ongoing pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors 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 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.