Items filtered by date: December 2022

A common reason for heel pain among active children and young teenagers is Sever's disease. The medical name for this condition is calcaneal apophysitis, and it affects the growth plate in the heel. Sever’s disease occurs during a growth spurt in this age group, where additional pressure is put on the heel, especially during the beginning of a new sporting season. The heel bone can grow at a faster speed than the tendons and muscles, and this can cause the heel to become less flexible. Common symptoms many children experience with this ailment can include heel pain and swelling, often causing the need to temporarily stop the activity that caused the condition. There may be additional reasons why Sever’s disease can develop, consisting of having one leg that is shorter than the other, or if the arches are abnormal. Relief can begin by frequently elevating the affected foot which may alleviate some of the swelling, and performing specific stretches that can strengthen the foot. If your child is afflicted with Sever’s disease, it is strongly urged that a podiatrist is consulted who can offer correct treatment methods.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. 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 Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

If an ankle fracture is mistaken for an ankle sprain, it can have serious consequences on proper healing. An ankle fracture is when there is a crack or break in the bones that form the ankle joint. A sprain involves ligaments that hold the ankle bones together rather than harm the bones themselves. Both injuries can result from the ankle moving beyond its normal range of motion. However, a fracture requires more intense treatment than a sprain. Prolonged pain and bruising of the ankle are good indicators that the ankle may be broken. If you have injured your ankle and are unsure if it is broken or sprained, see a podiatrist who can properly differentiate these conditions and provide the best treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Feet help propel the body forward when swimming. Range of foot motion, flexible ankles, and pointed toes are important for flutter kicks in freestyle swimming. However, muscle cramps can occur while swimming, which can be painful. In fact, the most frequent injury in this activity is from cramping. This can happen from overworking the muscles and from overtraining with weights. Cramping can also occur from dehydration in muscles. Inflammation and tendonitis from repetitive foot and ankle movements and pointing and flexing toes excessively while swimming can also occur. Poor swimming technique can contribute to such pain.  One should drink plenty of water and use drinks fortified with electrolytes as well as relax the muscles for two or three days after training. A warm-up session before swimming can help to avoid cramping and pain on the tops of the feet, as well as improve muscle and joint flexibility. Likewise, stretching the ankles and toes can help prepare for more comfortable swimming. If you are a swimmer and experience foot pain, consult with a podiatrist who can offer you more advice and treatment options.

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 Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis that can affect the feet, ankles, and toes. It can cause extreme pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is like rheumatoid arthritis in that joints may feel warm, sore, and tender and the stiffness is often worse in the morning. Dactylitis or “sausage toes” is one of the telltale signs of PsA. This often indicates the condition is getting worse. Even though there is no cure for PsA, it is treatable and when diagnosed early, relief can be found. Those with this type of foot arthritis can find it hard to walk or move. It usually comes on between the ages of 30 and 50 and typically only one foot is affected. There can be flare-ups of symptoms with PsA. If you have psoriatic arthritis and it is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible to help you find support.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors 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 Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.