Sever’s disease causes heel pain in growing children, especially those who run or jump in sports. Despite its name, it is not an illness or disease. It is irritation and swelling at the growth plate in the heel bone. A growth plate is developing tissue where a child’s bone grows. During a growth spurt, the heel bone can grow faster than nearby muscles and tendons. The Achilles tendon then pulls tightly against the growth plate. Repeated activity can make the area sore. The problem usually develops between ages nine and 14, and does not cause lasting damage after the growth plate matures.

A child with Sever’s disease can feel pain or tenderness in one or both heels. The heel can also become swollen, red, or stiff after waking. Some children limp or walk on their toes to avoid pressure. A podiatrist asks about the child’s sports, growth, and symptoms. The podiatrist also examines the foot and gently presses the sides of the heel. X-rays do not show Sever’s disease, but the podiatrist can order them to rule out a fracture or another cause of pain.

Treatment aims to reduce strain on the growth plate and help the heel recover. A podiatrist can recommend changes to activities based on the child’s pain. This foot doctor can also check whether the child’s shoes fit correctly and provide enough cushioning and support. Heel cups or custom shoe inserts can reduce pressure and improve foot position. For severe pain, the podiatrist can prescribe a walking boot or a short cast to limit heel movement. Children should return to sports only when activity no longer causes pain. Sever’s disease usually clears as the heel finishes growing. If your active child complains of heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer relief tips for Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see George Tellam, DPM from Ankle & Foot Associates. 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 Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail develops when the nail edge curves downward and presses into the skin beside it. This can cause pain, redness, and swelling. Drainage can appear when the area becomes infected. The problem affects the big toe and can make shoes uncomfortable. Improper nail trimming is a leading cause. An injury may damage the nail edge and change how it grows. A podiatrist can examine the toe and determine how deeply the nail has entered the skin.

Ingrown toenail removal is a minor procedure used when symptoms are severe, infection is present, or the problem keeps returning. The podiatrist numbs the toe so the patient remains comfortable. A narrow section along the affected side of the nail is then removed. The entire nail usually does not need to be taken off. For a recurring ingrown toenail, the podiatrist can treat the growth area beneath the removed section. This helps stop that part of the nail from growing back. Excess tissue beside the nail can be removed. The toe is cleaned and covered with a bandage after the procedure.

A podiatrist provides instructions for protecting the toe as it heals. Patients can usually return to work or school the following day, although activities that place heavy pressure on the toe must be limited for a short period of time. The bandage protects the area and absorbs drainage. Follow-up care allows the podiatrist to check healing and look for signs of infection. Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage should be reported promptly. Once healing is complete, proper nail care can lower the risk of another ingrown edge. Toenails should be trimmed straight across rather than rounded deeply at the corners. Shoes should also provide enough room for the toes. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact George Tellam, DPM of Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot can cause more than temporary irritation. This fungal infection affects the skin of the feet and commonly develops between the toes. Shoes can create a warm, dark, and moist environment that allows fungus to grow. Damp areas around pools, showers, and locker rooms can also expose feet to the fungus. The condition can cause dry-looking skin, itching, or scaling. Some patients develop swelling or blisters that can leave the skin cracked and sore. Athlete’s foot can also spread to the soles of the feet and toenails.

Recognizing the signs can help a podiatrist determine whether athlete’s foot is causing the skin changes. Other skin conditions can look similar, so an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can examine the affected area and determine whether a fungal infection is present. Treatment can include antifungal medication, which works against the fungus causing the infection. Depending on the location and severity of the infection, medication can be applied directly to the skin or taken by mouth. A podiatrist can also create a treatment plan based on the patient’s symptoms and how the infection has responded to previous care.

Prompt attention can be especially helpful when symptoms continue or spread to other areas of the feet. Athlete’s foot can affect the toenails and can spread to other parts of the body through scratching and touching. A podiatrist can help identify the source of persistent symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment. Podiatric care can also help distinguish athlete’s foot from another condition that causes similar skin changes. Patients should seek evaluation when symptoms do not improve with appropriate care or when the infection continues to return. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact George Tellam, DPM from Ankle & Foot Associates.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken foot occurs when one or more bones in the foot crack or break. Symptoms include pain, bruising, and swelling. Tenderness can develop, and putting weight on the injured foot can become difficult. A severe fracture can cause the foot to look deformed or leave a bone visible through the skin. A broken foot can resemble a sprain because both injuries can cause similar symptoms. Fractures usually cause more severe pain, but symptoms alone cannot always show which injury has occurred.

Prompt evaluation is important when a fracture is suspected. Without proper treatment, a broken foot can lead to infection or changes in foot shape. Warning signs include worsening pain, numbness, or circulation problems. A foot that becomes blue and cold also requires urgent attention. A podiatrist can examine the injury and determine whether the symptoms point to a fracture or another problem. X-rays are frequently used to identify broken bones. Other imaging tests can help detect small fractures that do not appear clearly on an X-ray.

Treatment depends on where the bone is broken and how severe the fracture is. A podiatrist can protect the foot with a cast, brace, or walking boot. Keeping weight off the injured foot can also be part of treatment. Some fractures require the bones to be moved back into proper position. More serious breaks can require surgery with pins, screws, or plates to hold the bones in place. Many foot fractures take about six to eight weeks to heal, although recovery time varies. A podiatrist can monitor healing and determine when normal activities can safely resume. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact George Tellam, DPM from Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.