Sever’s disease, a common cause of heel pain in children, occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated during development. It most often affects active children and adolescents who participate in running and jumping activities. Risk factors include rapid growth, tight calf muscles, flat feet, high arches, and sports that place repeated stress on the heel. Symptoms include heel pain during activity, limping, tenderness when the heel is squeezed, and stiffness after exercise. A podiatrist can evaluate the feet, recommend activity changes, provide heel support, and guide stretching routines that reduce discomfort. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer relief solutions for Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. 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 Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Surgical treatment for ingrown toenails focuses on relieving pain, reducing infection, and preventing the nail from growing into the skin again. When the side of a toenail digs into the skin, it can cause redness, swelling, and tenderness. If left untreated, the area can become infected and make walking uncomfortable. For more severe or recurring cases, a podiatrist can perform one of several surgical procedures in which a small part of the toenail or the skin around it is carefully removed to stop the edge of the nail from digging into the toe. This helps the nail grow straight and prevents it from cutting into the skin again. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and healing usually occurs within a few weeks. A podiatrist can determine which approach will provide lasting relief and promote healthy nail growth. If you have a painful or recurring ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

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 Community Foot Specialists. 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 our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe stretches help keep feet flexible, improve circulation, and ease tension from long periods of standing or wearing cramped shoes. Here are three effective examples that can make a difference when done regularly. For the toe extension stretch, sit with one leg crossed over the other, gently pull your toes back toward your shin, and hold for 10 seconds. This loosens tight muscles and relieves strain on the arch. In the toe splay exercise, spread your toes apart as wide as possible, hold briefly, and then relax. Repeat several times to strengthen the small muscles that support balance and stability. For the towel scrunch, place a towel on the floor and use your toes to grab and pull it toward you. This strengthens the muscles in the feet and helps improve coordination. If foot stiffness or pain persists despite stretching, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and tailored treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Foot Specialists. 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 offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Golf may seem low impact, but the repetitive motions and long hours on your feet can lead to several foot injuries. Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain from inflammation of the tissue supporting the arch, while metatarsalgia leads to pain in the ball of the foot from excessive pressure during swings. Additionally, tendonitis can develop from overuse of the tendons that stabilize the foot and ankle, and stress fractures may occur from repetitive strain on the bones. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your pain, recommend custom orthotics, and create a treatment plan to restore comfort and mobility. If foot pain is affecting your golf game, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide expert care and effective recovery solutions.

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 one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors 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 Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.