Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common condition affecting children and adolescents, particularly those who are active in sports. It is not a disease in the traditional sense, but rather an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone, which is medically known as the calcaneus. This inflammation occurs as a result of repetitive stress or tension on the growth plate, typically during periods of rapid growth and development. Children between the ages of eight and 14 are most susceptible to Sever's disease, as this is when the growth plate is most active. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing Sever's disease, including participation in high-impact sports that involve running and jumping, having tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons, and improper footwear. Additionally, having biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches may cause Sever’s disease. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can effectively treat Sever’s disease.

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

• Pain in the back or bottom of the heel

• Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed

• Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel

• Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities

• Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

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

Running is an exhilarating activity that offers numerous physical and mental benefits. However, it also places significant demands on the body, particularly the feet and ankles. To reduce the risk of injuries and ensure longevity in your running journey, incorporating targeted foot stretches into your routine is essential. One effective stretch is the calf stretch, where you lean forward against a wall, keeping one leg straight behind you and the other bent in front, to stretch the calf muscles. Additionally, the toe stretch, achieved by sitting back on your heels and gently pressing your toes into the ground, helps improve flexibility and mobility in the toes and feet. Finally, the plantar fascia stretch involves gently pulling back on the toes while flexing the foot upward, targeting the plantar fascia and promoting flexibility in the arch. By integrating these simple yet effective stretches into your pre- and post-running routine, you can minimize the risk of running-related injuries and maximize your performance potential. If you are looking for additional foot stretches that can protect your feet from running injuries, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist.

Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Some common running injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis

• Shin splints

• Ankle sprains

• Stress fractures

• Plantar fasciitis

• Bursitis 

What causes injuries? 

These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles. 

What can I do to prevent injuries? 

• Train slowly and gradually

• Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run

• Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot

• Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete

• Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs

• Warm-up prior to a run

• Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated 

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

Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur when the ligaments surrounding the ankle are stretched or torn due to sudden twisting or rolling of the foot. Athletes, particularly those involved in sports with frequent changes in direction or jumping, are at higher risk. However, anyone can experience an ankle sprain during daily activities or accidents. Mild sprains may only require rest, compression, and elevation, while severe cases might need immobilization. A chiropodist can help in diagnosing and treating ankle sprains. They can conduct thorough examinations, including X-rays or MRI scans, if necessary, to assess the extent of the injury. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a personalized treatment plan, which may include bracing or exercises to ensure a full recovery and prevent future sprains.

When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Difficulty walking

• Ankle instability

• A reduced range of motion in the ankle 

Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of: 

• Resting the injured ankle

• Applying ice

• Elevating the ankle

• Compressing the ankle

• Over-the-counter pain medications

• Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle

• Ankle exercises 

• Surgery (in rare cases) 

It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.