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Sever’s disease is an injury of the growth plate in the heel bone that is caused by overuse. This condition is most common in children, especially boys between the ages of 8 and 14. The usual symptoms of Sever’s disease are pain and tenderness in the heel, discomfort in the foot upon walking first thing in the morning, limping while walking, and increased heel pain during and after physical activity. Your child may have an increased risk of developing Sever’s disease if they are heavier and taller than average for their age, have over-pronated feet or flat feet, play sports like soccer, football, or hockey, run barefoot or run on hard surfaces, suddenly increase their level of physical activity, or wear footwear without adequate cushioning and support. If your child complains of heel pain, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. 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 Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who have diabetes are generally aware of the importance of maintaining proper foot care. There are specific types of foot conditions that diabetic patients can be prone to. These can include neuropathy, foot deformities, and poor circulation. Neuropathy can cause the inability to feel sensations in the feet, or the feet may tingle. It may be difficult to feel a wound, cut, or bruise if this condition develops. Poor circulation can cause a slower healing response to existing infections and cuts. It is beneficial to ensure blood sugar levels are controlled, in addition to inspecting the feet on a daily basis. Applying a good moisturizer may help the feet to remain smooth, and this can possibly prevent cracked heels and calluses from developing. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Many patients who enjoy the sport of running are often aware of the importance of preventing running injuries. When strength training and stretching techniques are frequently practiced, the likelihood of getting a running injury may be reduced. Research has indicated it is beneficial to warm up before and after running, and this can help to improve range of motion. This includes stretching the upper body, which may help to reduce existing weak spots. Many running injuries can be prevented when the time and mileage is gradually increased, and this can give the body time to adapt to successfully complete a training program. If you would like additional information how running injuries can affect the feet and how to avoid them, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Research has indicated that it is natural for children who are learning to walk to have their feet apart and turned out. Additional foot conditions can include bowed legs, and walking with the toes turned in. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will generally develop by age six. It is beneficial for the child to walk barefoot while indoors because this can help the overall foot to become strong as the toes grasp the floor. When the first shoes are purchased, it is wise to choose shoes that have laces or buckles, which can help the shoe to remain on the foot. If you would like additional information about possible childhood foot conditions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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