Heel pain in young athletes is often caused by calcaneal apophysitis, commonly known as Sever’s disease. This condition affects the growth plate at the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon attaches. It typically occurs during growth spurts when bones grow faster than muscles and tendons, creating tension and inflammation at the heel. Pain may increase with running, jumping, or sports that involve repetitive impact on the feet. Although frustrating, recovery takes time and requires rest, stretching, and sometimes heel supports or orthotics. Returning to play too early can delay healing and worsen symptoms. Patience and proper care allow the inflamed growth plate to heal completely and prevent chronic pain or reinjury. If heel pain persists or interferes with activity, it is important to see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis, treatment, and guidance on a safe return to the desired activity.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the feet, often making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods. of time. The inflammation may involve any of the 26 foot bones and ankle joints, as well as their surrounding soft tissues. A common feature of psoriatic arthritis is dactylitis, also called sausage toes, where the entire toe becomes swollen and tender. Heel pain may also occur when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, creating symptoms similar to plantar fasciitis. Over time, the toes can curl into claw-like shapes, the big toe may bend upward, or the foot arch may flatten. Skin around the joints may appear red or purple, and stiffness often worsens after periods of rest. A podiatrist can evaluate these symptoms, recommend proper footwear or custom orthotics, and discuss possible surgery if joint damage is severe. If you have foot pain from psoriatic arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle 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 can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM of Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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 office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.