June 2021

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an injury of the growth plate in the heel bone that is caused by repetitive trauma to the area. It often affects both heels simultaneously. This condition is most common among children and adolescents between the ages of 9 and 12 as they go through a rapid growth spurt. Sever’s disease occurs more often in males than females. Children who participate in sports that require frequent running and jumping, such as basketball, soccer, track, cross-country, and gymnastics are most at risk. If your child complains of heel pain or is walking with a limp, it is suggested that you take them to see a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat their condition.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that many patients suffer from. It occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed and can cause severe difficulty in walking. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and is found along the sole of the foot. Plantar fasciitis can be caused for a variety of reasons, including standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or it may come from having low or high arches. The pain is often felt in the heel and may be worse upon arising in the morning. It can help to perform specific stretches, and mild relief may be found when supportive insoles are worn. In severe cases, splints may have to be worn while sleeping, and this may help to stretch the feet. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has indicated that millions of people worldwide are affected by toenail fungus. It is an unsightly condition that typically begins with symptoms showing in the big toe. These can include a change in nail texture and color, in addition to becoming thick, brittle, and gradually crumble. It is caused by a fungus that lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, consisting of public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. It is considered to be contagious, and can enter the body through tiny cracks in the skin on the feet. Treatment can begin with changing the socks and shoes daily, and properly trimming the toenails. If you are afflicted with toenail fungus, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment technique.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome may not be a commonly known ailment, but have you heard of carpal tunnel syndrome? Carpal tunnel affects the hands while tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs in the feet and can cause pain and discomfort. Research has indicated that people who have arthritis may be prone to developing this condition, in addition to frequently enduring high-stress activities. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this ailment often include tired feet and ankles, and the overall foot may be numb or have tingling sensations. Some patients have pain in the Achilles tendon area, and the ankles may appear swollen. There are several symptoms that can be associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome so it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist when they first develop. This type of doctor can properly diagnose and effectively treat this condition.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

With the long-term physical and emotional toll injuries can take on a runner, preparing the body and mind can go a long way in preventing injuries from occurring. Regular meditation can help you maintain a relaxed mind so you can stay present and focused on your movements. Breathing exercises can help you dissipate angry or agitated emotions so that you can remove stress and tension in your body to reduce your chances of injury. Strengthen your muscles and stamina gradually with preparation and proper training, and consider joining a running group for support and advice. You can also consult with a podiatrist who can recommend the best type of running shoe and also create custom orthotics that support your individual foot structure and running style. Both of these things can help further reduce your risk of injury.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.