Items filtered by date: January 2023

There is an area that connects the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia to the heel. It is called the growth center, and the medical term for this is known as the calcaneal apophysis. It is fully developed at approximately 12 to 14 years old, as it fuses to the bone. If the heel undergoes direct impact, resulting in excessive tension on the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, it may result in Sever’s disease. This condition generally affects children and young teenagers between the ages of 9 and 13, and can cause considerable heel pain. Children who frequently participate in running and jumping activities may be prone to developing Sever’s disease. Mild relief may be found when the activity is temporarily stopped that caused the condition, and the foot is elevated and rested. It is beneficial to perform specific stretches that may help to accelerate the healing process. If your child has heel pain, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis of Sever's disease, and treat it accordingly.  

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. 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 Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

It’s easy to spot a person who has a hammertoe. It is a foot condition that is considered to be a deformity, and it is characterized by the middle toe that bends downward, forcing the joints up. It can be caused by various things, including wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in or from medical conditions such as arthritis. This condition may also develop for genetic reasons, and surgery may be necessary so the toes can be permanently straightened. If the toes are severely bent, corns may develop where the joint touches the shoe, and this can cause additional discomfort. Specific types of shoes may need to be purchased to accommodate the deformed toes, and this may prompt patients to seek medical advice. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist who can help you to remedy this condition. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM of New Jersey. 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 Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most widespread afflictions of the foot that primarily affects the plantar fascia. It occurs when this part of the foot becomes aggravated and inflamed. Plantar fasciitis has an interesting history which may be helpful in knowing to learn more about this ailment. The condition was first described in the year 1812 by a man named Wood. Wood attributed the condition to tuberculosis at the time. Over the years, plantar fasciitis has gone by different names. For example, it has sometimes been called painful heel syndrome or subcalcaneal pain. As time progressed and the field of podiatry developed, modern science learned more about plantar fasciitis. Today, it is one of the most common conditions that modern podiatrists are trained in identifying and treating. If you believe that you may have plantar fasciitis, contact a podiatrist today.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM  from New Jersey. 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 Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.