Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who are physically active. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress during periods of rapid bone development. The condition often affects children involved in running or jumping activities, as the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons can stretch. Symptoms include heel pain during or after activity, tenderness, and difficulty walking or running. Pain may worsen with pressure on the back of the heel. Risk factors include participation in sports, poor footwear, tight calf muscles, and a recent growth spurt. If your active child has heel pain, it may be Sever’s disease, and it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer relief tips for this condition.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

As people age, changes in foot structure and walking style can lead to common toe problems. Seniors with flat feet, or pes planus, may be more likely to develop hammertoes and overlapping toes due to the way pressure is distributed when walking. In contrast, high arches, called cavus foot posture, do not appear to be linked to these specific concerns. Older adults who have a pronated foot function, meaning their feet roll inward while walking, may face a higher risk of developing bunions and overlapping toes. Those with supinated feet, which roll outward, may be less likely to develop bunions and big toe stiffness. Since foot posture often changes with age, it is important for seniors to have their foot health checked regularly. Early recognition of abnormal patterns can help reduce discomfort and prevent future complications. If you are a senior experiencing foot or toe problems, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hammertoe

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Palm Desert, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet play a vital role in athletic performance by providing shock absorption, stability, and propulsion. They absorb impact forces during activities such as running and jumping, reducing stress on the joints and muscles. Proper foot alignment enhances stability, allowing athletes to maintain balance and control movement efficiently. The way the feet strike the ground affects energy transfer and can influence speed and endurance. A strong push-off from the toes generates power for sprinting, jumping, and sudden changes in direction. Foot mechanics also determine how effectively an athlete can pivot and accelerate. Strengthening the muscles of the feet and wearing appropriate footwear can enhance performance and reduce injury risk. If you participate in sporting activities and have injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer effective injury prevention methods.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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