Children who are growing and physically active can put excessive wear on the growth plate of their heel bone, which attaches to the Achilles tendon. Repetitive pulling on the growth plate causes inflammation and pain in the heel and is known as Sever’s disease. Although this condition is painful and can reoccur, it is not dangerous, and should go away once the growth plate closes and your child stops growing. There are several things you can do at home to help reduce the pain of Sever’s disease. Have your child stretch their calf muscles several times a day and make sure your child sits out activities rather than playing through the pain. You can also ice the area, give your child over-the-counter painkillers, and have them wear supportive shoes. If pain persists, severe swelling occurs, or your child develops a fever, contact a podiatrist right away. The podiatrist will first rule out a heel fracture, and then may suggest custom orthotics and specific stretching exercises to heal the pain and avoid permanent damage.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Grand Blanc Family Footcare. 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 office located in Grand Blanc, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Throughout our lives, our feet support and carry the weight of our entire bodies. Therefore, it is no surprise that we may experience foot pain, or that foot problems can become increasingly more common as we age. Senior feet require special attention, as the feet are affected by years of wear and tear, and seniors are at an increased risk of developing other health conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, which can affect the health of the feet. Seniors should regularly check their feet for any changes or abnormalities, including any cuts, scrapes, sores, or discoloration. If an irregularity is noticed, seeing a podiatrist as soon as possible is strongly suggested. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat the issue before it worsens and provide recommendations on how to avoid foot problems in the future.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Grand Blanc, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
When you are experiencing foot pain, any relief is welcome. Pre-made shoe inserts (foot orthotics) purchased at the drug store can alleviate discomfort for some people. There are also custom-made foot orthotics which go a step further. A podiatrist first determines the cause of your foot pain, and creates either a 3D model or takes an impression of your actual feet. Then, a customized foot orthotic is created to fit you and treat the specific nature of your pain. These made-to-order orthotics can benefit patients with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, high arches and various forms of arthritis. If you are experiencing pain in one or both of your feet, don’t suffer in silence. It is suggested that you call a podiatrist to see if foot orthotics can improve your quality of life.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Grand Blanc, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A sprained or strained ankle is a common injury. While full recovery can take between 6 to 8 weeks, there are steps that you can take at home to encourage healing. Wrapping the ankle with a bandage can support it during short, necessary activities, like walking from room to room. Applying ice to the injured area can reduce pain and swelling. Resting the ankle is important to avoid aggravating the injury, and the ankle should be elevated while you rest. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can also help reduce pain. For best results, it is important to follow the instructions of your doctor. If you have injured your ankle, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for treatment.
Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Grand Blanc, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar warts are a small growth on the sole of the foot. They grow because of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that infects the foot through small cracks in the skin. These growths usually form in weight bearing areas, and they usually appear flat. Plantar warts can often look grainy and somewhat rough, and can also be indicated by black dots that are often small clots, pain or tenderness while standing or walking, and thickened hard skin over the wart. If you have a plantar wart, please consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to suggest treatments such as cryotherapy, laser treatment, prescriptions or surgery
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Treatment
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Grand Blanc, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
