Items filtered by date: February 2020

The medical condition that is known as Sever’s disease can generally affect adolescents who participate in running and jumping activities. This ailment impacts the growth plate, and may occur as a result of the heel bone and surrounding muscles growing at different rates. There may be existing medical conditions that precede the onset of Sever’s disease. These can include flat feet, high arches, obesity, or having one leg that is shorter than the other. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition can consist of red skin around the affected area, swelling, and difficulty walking. Mild relief may be found when supportive shoes are worn, and gentle exercises are performed that may strengthen the foot. If you think your child may have Sever’s disease, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist for professional care and treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot pain, see Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot care 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 Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot injuries.

Pain in the heel and surrounding area may be indicative of a heel spur. It is considered to be a bony growth that develops on the heel of the foot. It can grow in length, and extend to the middle of the foot, which may cause severe pain and discomfort. The symptoms that many patients experience typically consist of a sharp pain in the heel after arising in the morning, heat coming from the affected area, and the heel may be extremely tender, which may inhibit walking. This condition can occur as a patient ages, which may also contribute to the soft tissue becoming thinner in the heel. It may happen as a result of an injury that previously occurred to the heel, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or it may develop from being overweight. If you are afflicted with a heel spur, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

As the aging process occurs, the skin on the feet may become dry. This dryness can be a result from a loss of cushioning, and the nails may also be affected. Poor circulation and sores on the feet can be common among the elderly population, which is why it is extremely beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly. Circulation may be improved by frequently performing gentle stretching exercises throughout the day. Additionally, foot conditions including cracked heels may be prevented by washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by using a good moisturizer. Diabetic patients may benefit by checking their feet everyday for any existing cuts, wounds, or bruises. If you would like additional information about how to care for elderly feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide the proper treatment methods.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and , contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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