Growing Feet and Aching Heels

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children, particularly during growth spurts when the heel bone develops faster than the surrounding soft tissues. Symptoms include limping after sports, avoiding pressure on the heel, or walking on their toes to reduce discomfort. It may feel like a sharp ache at the back of the heel that worsens with running or jumping. The condition is usually caused by repetitive stress on the heel growth plate, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in activity. Helpful stretches include the soleus stretch, which gently lengthens the lower calf, and heel dips, which improve flexibility and reduce strain on the heel. A podiatrist can assist from the start by providing a clear diagnosis, assessing foot structure, and recommending personalized treatments. Among them are activity modification, stretching programs, supportive footwear, and orthotic devices. If your active child is experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see One of our podiatrist from Santi Podiatry Group. 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 our offices located in on 5th Street and Kings Highway Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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When an Ankle Sprain Changes How You Move

An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that support the joint stretch beyond their limit, often from a sudden twist, misstep, or uneven surface. Many people feel an immediate sharp pain followed by swelling, tenderness, or bruising around the outside of the ankle. Putting weight on the foot may become difficult, and the joint can feel unstable or weak. Even mild sprains can linger if they are ignored, leading to repeated injuries and long-term stiffness. Early care, including rest and proper support, helps the ligaments heal in a stable position and reduces the chance of chronic instability. Paying attention to discomfort during walking or exercise can prevent the injury from worsening. If ankle swelling, pain, or instability continues, it is suggested  that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and guidance.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact One of our podiatrist from Santi Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in on 5th Street and Kings Highway Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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We Can Treat Your Foot or Ankle Pain

Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.

Protecting Feet From Diabetic Ulcers and Promoting Healing

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that can develop on the feet of diabetics due to poor circulation, neuropathy, or prolonged pressure. They may look like red, inflamed areas with possible drainage or a foul odor, and the surrounding skin can appear thickened or callused. Many patients do not initially feel pain because nerve damage reduces sensation, making early detection challenging. Diabetic foot ulcers affect approximately 15 percent of people with diabetes during their lifetime and are a leading cause of lower limb loss, if not properly managed. A podiatrist can help by thoroughly examining the foot, assessing circulation and nerve function, and determining the severity of the wound. Treatment may include debridement, specialized dressings, offloading pressure with orthotics or footwear, infection management, and guidance on daily foot care. Prompt professional care supports faster healing, prevents infection, and reduces the risk of serious complications. If you notice a non-healing wound or unusual changes on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with One of our podiatrist from Santi Podiatry Group. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in on 5th Street and Kings Highway Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Proper Foot Care Tips for Trail Running

Because trail running challenges the feet with constant impact and shifting terrain, proper preparation is needed to keep them healthy and strong. Experts recommend wearing trail shoes that fit securely through the heel and midfoot while allowing enough room in the toe box to prevent pressure on the toenails. Moisture-wicking socks are also suggested to reduce friction and keep the skin dry, which helps prevent blisters and irritation. Many trail runners benefit from shoes with good traction and support around the arch and ankle to handle uneven ground and quick directional changes. Paying attention to how the laces are tied can improve stability on steep trails. A podiatrist can evaluate your running mechanics, provide guidance on shoe selection, and offer treatment if discomfort or injury develops. If you experience foot or ankle pain while trail running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

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 podiatrist of Santi Podiatry Group. 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 our offices located in on 5th Street and Kings Highway Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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