Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who are active in sports. It is not actually a disease but a temporary condition that occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated. This area is still developing in children, and repeated impact from running or jumping can lead to inflammation. Symptoms often include pain during or after activity, limping, and tenderness when the heel is squeezed. The condition typically affects children between the ages of 8 and 14, and tends to improve once growth slows down. Rest, wearing supportive shoes, and stretching exercises are often helpful in reducing discomfort. In some cases, custom orthotics may be recommended to reduce pressure on the heel. If your child is complaining of heel pain that does not go away, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer relief options for Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Wearing high heels regularly can lead to a range of foot and ankle problems. The forward pitch of the foot in high heels places significant pressure on the forefoot, often leading to bunions, hammertoes, corns, and neuromas. Prolonged wearing of high heels can also contribute to plantar fasciitis, a painful condition involving the tissue on the bottom of the foot. High heels limit ankle mobility, which increases strain on the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. Over time, this can shorten and tighten the tendon, raising the risk of tendon tears and muscle cramping. The altered posture caused by high heels shifts the body's alignment and places extra stress on the ankle joints, leading to pain or instability. A podiatrist can assess the impact of wearing high heels on foot structure, recommend custom inserts, and determine whether surgery is needed for long-term problems. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Foot pain may be about more than just the feet. Foot pain can also be an early warning sign of other health problems. Persistent coldness in the feet and toes may point to poor blood circulation, known as peripheral arterial disease, sometimes linked to diabetes or heart conditions. Swelling in the ankles or feet may indicate cardiovascular or kidney disorders. Burning, tingling, or numbness may suggest peripheral neuropathy, often seen in diabetic patients or people with vitamin deficiencies. Sudden pain in the big toe joint may signal gout, while white or spoon-shaped nails can be associated with systemic illnesses such as anemia or liver disease. Conditions like Raynaud's disease, marked by toes turning white and blue in response to cold, may also suggest underlying autoimmune disorders. A podiatrist can evaluate and treat these symptoms as well as help identify any broader medical concerns. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bone stress injuries happen when a bone is repeatedly loaded with weight without enough time to rest and recover. In active children and teenagers, this often occurs during sports that involve running, jumping, or high-impact movement. Unlike a sudden break, a stress injury builds slowly as the bone becomes weakened from overuse. Early signs may include a deep, aching pain that gets worse with activity and improves with rest. These injuries are most common in the feet, shins, and ankles. Because growing bones are still developing, they are more at risk for this type of damage. Ignoring the early signs can lead to more serious injury and longer recovery time. Rest, activity changes, and supportive footwear are often part of treatment. If a child has lasting pain in the foot or lower leg without a clear injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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