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Sever’s disease is a painful heel condition that affects growing children and teenagers. It develops when repeated stress irritates the growth plate at the back of the heel. A growth plate is an area of developing tissue near the end of a bone. During a growth spurt, the heel bone can grow faster than nearby muscles and tendons. This can create tension where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. Children who participate in running or jumping activities can place repeated pressure on this area, making irritation and pain more likely.

Heel pain is the main symptom of Sever’s disease. The pain can affect one heel or both heels and can become worse with physical activity. The heel can also feel tender when squeezed. Some children develop swelling or redness around the painful area. They can begin limping or walking on their toes to avoid pressure on the heel. Sports that involve frequent running and jumping can increase the risk. Tight calf muscles and a tight Achilles tendon can also place more stress on the heel. Sever’s disease does not cause permanent damage to the growth plate.

A podiatrist can evaluate heel pain and determine whether Sever’s disease is responsible for the symptoms. The examination can include checking the heel for tenderness and assessing how the foot and ankle move. A podiatrist can also evaluate walking patterns and foot structure to identify factors that place extra stress on the heel. Treatment focuses on reducing irritation and protecting the growth plate while it heals. A podiatrist can recommend activity changes, supportive devices, or appropriate stretches based on the child’s condition. Care can help relieve pain and support a safe return to normal activities. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer effective relief tips for Sever's disease. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Jeffrey Parrett, DPM from Parrett Podiatry. 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 Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement at the upper back of the heel. The bump forms near the point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. It can rub against the back of a shoe and cause pain, redness, and swelling behind the heel. The area may feel tender, and a bump can develop. Pain can be noticeable when wearing shoes with firm heel counters. Some patients also have discomfort when they begin walking after resting. The condition can affect one heel or both heels.

The cause of Haglund’s deformity is not always clear. A tight Achilles tendon, high arches, and an inherited heel shape can raise the risk. Pressure from wearing stiff or poorly fitting shoes can worsen irritation. The nearby fluid-filled sac, called a bursa, can become inflamed. This sac cushions the heel bone and Achilles tendon. When it becomes irritated, swelling and pain can increase. A podiatrist examines the heel, checks the patient’s foot structure, and asks when the pain occurs. X-rays can show the heel bone and the size of the bump. Other imaging can help assess the Achilles tendon or surrounding tissue when the cause remains unclear.

Treatment focuses on reducing pressure, easing inflammation, and protecting the back of the heel. The podiatrist can recommend shoes with a softer heel area or room around the bump. Custom orthotics or heel lifts can improve foot position and reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. Padding may limit shoe rubbing. A temporary walking boot can protect the area when pain is severe. The podiatrist can also monitor the tendon and adjust treatment based on the patient’s progress. When these measures do not provide enough relief, surgery may be considered to remove the excess bone and address damaged tissue. If you have symptoms of Haglund's deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM of Parrett Podiatry. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A blister is a raised pocket of fluid that forms when the upper layers of skin separate. On the feet, repeated friction is the leading cause. Shoes that are too tight, loose, or stiff can rub the skin. Heat and moisture can make this rubbing worse. Blisters frequently develop on the heels, toes, or balls of the feet. Symptoms of foot blisters include tenderness, redness, and a fluid-filled bubble. Although most blisters heal within several days to a week, pressure can delay healing and increase discomfort.

Some people face a greater risk of complications from a foot blister. Diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in the feet can make a small wound harder to notice and heal. A blister that breaks can invite a bacterial infection. Warning signs of infection include increasing redness, warmth, or swelling. Drainage, worsening pain, and red streaks also require medical attention. A podiatrist can examine blisters that are severe, keep returning, or do not improve. Prompt care is especially important for patients with diabetes or circulation problems, since an untreated infection can threaten tissue and raise the risk of limb loss.

Popping a blister yourself is not recommended. A podiatrist can clean and protect the area, safely draining a large blister while preserving its protective skin, or applying a dressing. The podiatrist can also reduce pressure with padding or custom orthotics. To help prevent new blisters, the podiatrist may assess shoe fit, foot shape, and walking patterns. Recommendations can include wearing well-fitting shoes, moisture-wicking socks, and protective padding for areas that rub. Patients who develop repeated blisters may need an evaluation for a bony prominence or another source of pressure. Addressing the cause can improve comfort and reduce the chance of another blister forming. If you have a painful blister on the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM of Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a nail presses into the nearby skin instead of growing forward normally. The big toe is affected most often because it receives considerable pressure inside a shoe. Early signs include tenderness, redness, and swelling along one side of the nail. If bacteria enter the irritated area, drainage or a pocket of pus can appear. Patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in the feet face a greater risk of complications. They should have any unusual nail changes examined promptly.

Several factors can cause an ingrown toenail. Cutting a nail too short or rounding its corners can encourage the edge to grow into the skin. Wearing tight shoes can squeeze the toes and increase pressure along the nail borders. A toe injury can also change the way the nail grows. Some patients inherit nails that curve sharply at the sides, making the problem more likely. Without professional care, continued irritation can lead to infection and increased pain. Severe redness, spreading swelling, or drainage requires prompt attention from a podiatrist.

A podiatrist can examine the nail, check for infection, and determine how deeply the edge has entered the skin. Treatment includes carefully trimming, lifting, or removing the troublesome nail section, depending on severity. When an ingrown toenail repeatedly returns, a minor procedure can treat part of the nail-growth area and prevent the same edge from growing back. The podiatrist can also address thick nails and recommend properly fitting shoes with enough room around the toes. Patients with diabetes or circulation problems benefit from professional nail care because small wounds can become serious quickly. Timely treatment eases pressure, protects nearby tissue, and lowers the risk of infection. Surgery is generally reserved for repeated or severe cases. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM of Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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