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Children and young teenagers who complain of heel pain may be experiencing a condition known as Sever’s disease. This condition is defined as inflammation in the growth plate of the heel due to repetitive force. It can affect children who frequently participate in running and jumping activities, such as soccer, basketball, or gymnastics. Early recognition and treatment is most effective with Sever’s disease. When this condition is managed early on, safe return to play and sports will be more likely. Mild relief can be found when the affected foot is elevate and the activity is temporarily ceased. If your child is limping or complaining of heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

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.

Mallet toe is another name for the foot condition that is known as hammertoe. It is an ailment that prevents the toes from straightening out, and they can bend at a downward angle. The toes that are generally affected are the second, third, or fourth toes, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore the toes back to a normal position. The reasons many patients develop hammertoe can include wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, an abnormality in the toe muscles and tendons, or medical conditions such as arthritis. Calluses or corns may form on top of the affected toes, and this can be a result of excess friction that is caused by wearing tight shoes. If you notice the first stages of hammertoe developing, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist, who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM of Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best 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.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Risk factors include obesity, prolonged standing, high impact activities, flat feet, high arches, and tight calf muscles. Symptoms often involve sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest, as well as swelling and stiffness. Causes include overuse, poor footwear, sudden increases in activity, or biomechanical imbalances. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend supportive footwear or orthotics, provide stretching exercises, and offer treatments to reduce inflammation and restore mobility. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM  from Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Achilles tendonitis occurs when the thick tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone becomes inflamed from overuse or strain. This tendon plays a key role in walking, running, and pushing off the toes, which makes it vulnerable to injury from repetitive motion or sudden increases in activity. Common causes of Achilles tendonitis include running on hard surfaces, training without proper warm-up, and wearing shoes that lack adequate support. Flat feet, bone spurs on the heel, and certain health conditions can increase the risk of Achilles tendon irritation. Symptoms include pain or stiffness in the back of the ankle, swelling, warmth, and difficulty standing on the toes. Morning stiffness is especially common. If left untreated, inflammation may progress to tendinosis, where the tendon begins to degenerate. In severe cases, a rupture may occur and require surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM of Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.