Items filtered by date: May 2024

Lower limb and foot injuries are common in athletic children, partly due to the vulnerability of their growth plates. Growth plates are the developing areas of cartilage at the end of the long bones in the legs where bone growth takes place. These plates are weaker than nearby tendons and ligaments, making them more susceptible to injury. This is especially true when under the stress of repetitive physical activities in sports. Movements like running, jumping, and quick pivoting can place excessive strain on growth plates, leading to conditions such as Sever's disease, or heel pain. Ankle sprains are also common because ligaments in children tend to be more elastic than in adults. The biomechanics of growing children, such as variations in gait, muscle strength, and coordination during growth spurts, can further predispose them to these injuries as their bodies adapt to rapid physical changes. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, can treat these types of injuries common in active children. They may suggest treatments ranging from rest and elevation to custom orthotics that support proper alignment and reduce stress on the growth plates. Treatments vary depending on the injury. If your child is struggling with a lower limb or foot injury, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist for targeted care. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Heel pain, a common foot ailment, can disrupt daily activities and signal underlying issues. Typically stemming from conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or heel spurs, it manifests as discomfort or tenderness beneath or behind the heel. Treatment often involves a combination of conservative measures, such as rest, stretching exercises, custom orthotic inserts, and supportive footwear to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. In some cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections may be recommended for pain relief. However, if left unaddressed, heel pain can lead to chronic discomfort, mobility limitations, and even changes in gait. Additionally, persistent heel pain may indicate more serious conditions that require specialized intervention. If you have persistent or worsening heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an individualized treatment plan that can expedite recovery and prevent complications.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common condition affecting children and adolescents, particularly those who are active in sports. Contrary to its name, Sever's disease is not a true disease but rather an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. This inflammation occurs due to repetitive stress or tension on the growth plate, often during periods of rapid growth. As a result, the heel becomes painful and tender, especially during physical activities like running or jumping. Despite its discomfort, Sever's disease does not cause long-term damage and typically resolves once the growth plate closes. However, proper management is critical to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence. Treatment may involve rest, stretching exercises, wearing supportive footwear, and in severe cases, temporary activity modification. If your child has heel pain and enjoys participating in sporting activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately 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 one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. 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 office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

In the world of running, your feet interact with the ground in various forms, each influencing performance and potential for injury. There are several types of running foot strikes, depending upon the biomechanics of your feet. One is the heel strike, where the heel makes initial contact with the ground. While common, excessive heel striking may lead to impact-related injuries. Next, the midfoot strike involves landing on the middle part of the foot. This type distributes forces more evenly and is often associated with a smoother gait. Finally, the forefoot strike, where the ball of the foot hits the ground first, reduces the impact on joints but demands greater calf strength. Each type has its merits and drawbacks, and finding the right one can vary depending on terrain and personal preference. If you are interested in a gait analysis performed to determine your running foot strike, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors 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 West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.