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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 Dr. Alexander Terris from Total Foot 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 Wilmington, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
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Peripheral neuropathy is caused when the nerves in the extremities such as the hands or feet are damaged. Neuropathy is generally indicated by pain, numbness, tingling, or a pins and needles sensation in the feet. While one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes, it can also be caused by metabolic disorders, alcohol, trauma, vitamin deficiency, and even genetics. Treatment options for neuropathy are often individualized and focused on the cause of the neuropathy. Therefore, patients who are experiencing the signs of peripheral neuropathy in their feet should visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment method.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Alexander Terris from Total Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wilmington, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
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 Dr. Alexander Terris from Total Foot Care. Our doctor 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 Wilmington, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Gout occurs when an over-abundance of uric acid in the body creates urate crystals in a joint, causing severe pain, redness, and inflammation. The body produces uric acid as a waste product from breaking down purines—a chemical compound in certain foods and drinks. Obesity, kidney disease, water pills, cancer, and consuming too many sugary drinks, seafood, or red meat can cultivate a profusion of uric acid in the bloodstream. Left untreated, gout may cause permanent joint damage or disfigurement, and surgery may be necessary to remove hard nodules, called tophi, that can form under the skin. Since gout is a type of arthritis that can often form in the big toe or ankle, consult a podiatrist if you exhibit symptoms in order to be properly diagnosed and treated.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Alexander Terris from Total Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wilmington, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
A high ankle sprain, also known as a syndesmosis injury, can occur when the ankle is forcefully twisted upwards and away from your body during physical activity. This can happen while playing contact sports. For example, if somebody falls onto the outside of your ankle, it may force the ankle to move beyond its normal range, resulting in a high ankle sprain. A high ankle sprain differs from the more common lateral ankle sprain by its symptoms. While a lateral ankle sprain is painful, the pain from a high ankle sprain is usually more severe. It may be extremely difficult to bear weight on the ankle. However, high ankle sprains generally don’t bruise or swell as much as lateral ankle sprains. If you sustain any type of ankle sprain, it is suggested 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 Dr. Alexander Terris from Total Foot Care. Our doctor 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 Wilmington, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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