Items filtered by date: September 2023

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common but often misunderstood condition affecting children and adolescents, especially those active in sports. It is not a traditional disease but rather a painful growth plate disorder. Understanding its symptoms and appropriate treatment is vital for parents and young athletes. The hallmark symptom of Sever's disease is heel pain, typically at the back or along the bottom of the heel. Pain tends to worsen during or after physical activities and may cause limping or discomfort when walking or running. The condition arises when the growth plate at the back of the heel bone becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress. Fortunately, Sever's disease is treatable. Getting adequate rest and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort. Stretching exercises and may also be recommended to improve flexibility, and strengthen the calf muscles. Wearing supportive footwear with cushioned insoles may help reduce heel pressure. By recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment, parents and young athletes can manage Sever's disease effectively, allowing for a smoother path to recovery and a return to their favorite activities. If your active child has heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. 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 one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Heel pain can be debilitating, and one common cause is bursitis. This condition occurs when the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions and lubricates the joints, becomes inflamed. In the case of heel bursitis, the bursa located at the back of the heel becomes irritated and swollen. The bursa is typically aggravated by activities that put pressure on the affected area, such as walking or wearing tight shoes. Inflammation can also be caused by repetitive overuse or direct trauma to the heel. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasound are used to rule out other conditions. Treatment options range from rest and ice to reduce inflammation, to physical therapy and orthotic shoe inserts for support. In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend corticosteroid injections to alleviate pain and inflammation. If you're experiencing persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. With the right care, heel bursitis can be managed effectively, allowing you to get back on your feet pain-free.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are painful bumps at the base of the big toe that can make walking uncomfortable and even interfere with your daily activities. When it comes to non-surgical treatment of bunions, often the first step is changing your footwear. Shoes with a wider toe box can give your toes more room to breathe and reduce friction. Toe spreaders can also be beneficial by helping to maintain proper toe alignment and preventing further deviation. Finally, your podiatrist can prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers to provide relief. If non-surgical options fail to provide relief and the bunion severely impacts your daily life, bunion surgery is an option to consider. Two common types of bunion surgery are osteotomy and fusion. Osteotomy involves removing a portion of the bone to realign the toes properly. Fusion surgery entails joining the joint at the base of the toe and is typically reserved for more severe cases. Recovery from bunion surgery can take up to eight weeks, while swelling may persist for several months. A podiatrist can provide personalized advice based on the severity of your condition and your individual needs. It is suggested that you make an appointment today.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A plantar wart, which is a growth on the sole of your foot, is caused by exposure to the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Although this type of infection is more common among children and young adults, it can affect anyone. You might wonder how you end up with this unwelcome visitor. It's simple, the infection is caused by direct contact with the virus through a break in your skin. Sometimes, it can take months after exposure for a plantar wart to appear. The wart often starts as a small, rough patch on your foot's sole but can expand over time. These growths disrupt the usual skin lines on your feet and might display tiny black dots due to clogged blood vessels. Treatment options vary based on how the warts bother you. Salicylic acid treatments may or may not be effective. More advanced treatment includes the application of liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin, though this process can cause discomfort and may take several applications. If you think you may have a plantar wart, especially if it becomes painful or shows signs of infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This qualified foot doctor can evaluate the problem and suggest a proper course of treatment. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

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 one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.