Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Sever’s Disease Affects the Heel

The medical condition that is known as Sever’s disease generally affects teenaged children. In active teenagers, tendons and muscles may pull on the growth plate in the heel, and this may cause severe pain and discomfort. Mild relief may be found when the activity that caused the ailment ceases and when specific stretches are frequently performed. In severe cases, it may be beneficial to use an elastic wrap on the affected foot, and this may help to reduce existing swelling. If you notice your child is limping, it is strongly recommended that you confer with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Runners and Cuboid Syndrome

One of seven tarsal bones in the foot is referred to as the cuboid bone. It is found on the outside of the foot, has six sides, and resembles a cube. It enables the foot to maintain stability, and can be partially responsible for distributing body weight. The cuboid bone resembles a pulley, and functions with other bones in the foot. The condition that is known as cuboid syndrome commonly affects athletes and ballet dancers. These groups of people may be prone to ankle sprains, and as a result, the cuboid bone may become injured. Mild relief may be felt when the affected foot is elevated, and it may be beneficial to wrap an elastic bandage around the foot which can help to stabilize the ankle. If you have cuboid syndrome, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this ailment as quickly as possible.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

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Risk Factors and Symptoms of Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It can lead to sudden pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness that makes walking difficult. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, diets rich in red meat or seafood, obesity, alcohol consumption, and underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease or hypertension. Symptoms range from intense joint pain to lingering discomfort and limited mobility. A podiatrist can provide a diagnosis, treatment, and guidance to prevent flare-ups while protecting joint health. If you have intense pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

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Understanding Ankle Tendonitis and Its Many Forms

Ankle tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons around the ankle joint, often caused by overuse, improper footwear, flat feet, or sudden increases in physical activity. Common types include Achilles tendonitis, posterior tibial tendonitis, and peroneal tendonitis. Symptoms may involve aching, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness along the affected tendon, especially after activity or in the morning. The area may appear red or warm and can become painful when walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods. The pain is usually localized but can radiate along the ankle or lower leg. A podiatrist can diagnose the specific type of tendonitis through a physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, and temporary immobilization. In more severe cases, advanced therapies or surgery may be needed. Since untreated tendonitis can lead to chronic pain or tendon rupture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

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