Children's foot and heel pain can result from various causes, including growth-related issues, injuries, and underlying conditions. One common condition is calcaneal apophysitis, often referred to as Sever's disease. This condition develops when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to overuse or excessive pressure. Children who are active in sports, especially running or jumping activities, are at higher risk. The anatomy of the foot and heel includes several important structures, including bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The heel bone, or calcaneus, plays a key role in weight-bearing and walking, while the growth plates allow for bone lengthening as children grow. Pain in the heel or foot can result from irritation or stress on these structures. Wearing proper footwear, rest, and stretching exercises are essential for relieving discomfort and supporting healthy foot development. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer viable treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of New England Foot and Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever's disease is a condition that affects children, particularly those who are active in sports. It is a form of heel pain caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. The condition occurs when the Achilles tendon pulls on the growth plate, leading to discomfort. Common risk factors include participation in high-impact activities like running or jumping, a rapid growth spurt, and tight calf muscles. The primary symptom is pain in the heel, which worsens with physical activity, especially during or after sports. Children may also experience swelling and tenderness in the heel. Stretching exercises that focus on the Achilles tendon and calf muscles can help relieve tension and reduce pain. Stretching the calf muscles, using foam rollers, and performing gentle heel stretches can help promote flexibility and ease discomfort. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause, and provide appropriate treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. 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 Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Swollen feet can be caused by several factors, often linked to underlying health conditions. One common cause is leaky veins, where blood flows backward due to weakened valves, leading to fluid buildup in the lower limbs. This condition, known as venous insufficiency, is often accompanied by discomfort and swelling. Another factor to consider is the side effects of medication. Certain drugs, such as those used for high blood pressure or diabetes, can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling in the feet. Dependent edema is another possible cause, particularly for individuals who spend prolonged periods standing or sitting. This condition results from gravity pulling fluid into the lower extremities. Lastly, inflammation due to injury, infection, or conditions like arthritis can cause swelling in the feet. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the reason is, and offer effective relief and treatment tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma is a condition that affects the foot, causing pain and discomfort due to a thickening of the tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to the toes. This condition typically occurs between the third and fourth toes, and is often described as feeling like there is a small stone or bump in the shoe. The exact cause of Morton's neuroma is not always clear, but it is often linked to repetitive stress or irritation to the nerves in the foot. High heels, tight shoes, and activities that put pressure on the toes, such as running or jumping, can increase the risk. Common signs of Morton's neuroma include sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot and tingling, or numbness in the toes. The pain may worsen when walking or standing for extended periods. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.