What Is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in children, and is related to inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. It often occurs during periods of rapid growth when bones lengthen faster than muscles and tendons can adapt. This condition typically affects active children from ages 8 to 14 who participate in sports or activities that involve running and jumping. Symptoms include heel pain during activity, tenderness, swelling, and limping. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, repetitive stress, and wearing footwear that does not fit properly. It happens because the developing heel is more sensitive to strain and pressure. A podiatrist can provide evaluation, recommend stretching and support, and guide recovery. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. 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 office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Sever's Disease

What Happens During an Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain is an injury that occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. It often happens during a sudden twist, misstep, or awkward landing that forces the joint out of its normal position. This condition may appear with swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Some people feel instability or a popping sensation at the time of injury. While sprains can range from mild to severe, proper evaluation is important to rule out fractures or long-term damage. A podiatrist can assess the severity through a physical examination and imaging tests, then guide treatment to support healing and restore stability. Early care helps prevent chronic weakness or repeated injury.  If you have symptoms of an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Sprains

Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Foot

A broken foot occurs when one or more of the bones in the foot develop a crack or complete fracture. This can happen from trauma, overuse, or sudden twisting injuries. A broken foot bone can cause sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty placing weight on the affected foot. The injured area may appear swollen or discolored, and some patients notice tenderness that worsens with walking or standing. In more severe fractures, the shape of the foot may look uneven or unstable. Broken foot injuries can result from falls, sports accidents, dropping heavy objects on the foot, or repetitive stress that weakens the bone. A podiatrist can examine the foot, evaluate movement and stability, and use X-rays to determine the location and severity of the fracture. Treatment may include immobilization with a boot or cast, wearing protective footwear, or surgery, if the bones are displaced. If you think you may have broken your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. 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 office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot

Foot Pain and Common Causes

Foot pain is a general term describing discomfort in any part of the foot that can affect daily movement and quality of life. Common causes are ingrown toenails, plantar warts, and gout. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into surrounding skin and cause inflammation. Plantar warts are viral growths usually found on the sole of the foot. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup. Peripheral neuropathy, which involves nerve damage that affects sensation, is another common cause of foot pain. Risk factors include improper footwear, poor hygiene, chronic conditions, and repetitive stress. In addition to pain, symptoms include swelling, redness, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause, provide targeted treatment, and prevent complications. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor 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 our office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Keep Your Feet Healthy So You Can Stay Active

Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.

Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.

Connect With Us