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Tuesday, 17 September 2024 00:00

Sever's disease, medically known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a condition that affects children and adolescents, particularly those who are active in sports. This condition involves inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, which is a cartilage area where the heel bone and tendons attach. Risk factors include activities that put repetitive stress on the heel, such as running or jumping, as well as being overweight. Symptoms often result in heel pain, which may worsen with physical activity. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can recommend specific stretches for relief and guide you toward appropriate treatment methods. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. 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 Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
Wednesday, 11 September 2024 00:00

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 00:00

Ankle sprains can result in various symptoms that require attention, especially if the injury is severe. Typically, those individuals with a sprained ankle will experience sharp, localized pain that worsens with joint movement or when bearing weight on the affected foot. This pain often coincides with noticeable swelling, which may be more pronounced, depending on which ligament is injured. Bruising surrounding the sprain site is common, with discoloration ranging from reddish to purplish hues. These signs indicate torn ligaments and the presence of blood pooling in the area. In severe cases, individuals might hear or feel a pop at the time of injury, signaling a significant tear. This can also result in a restricted range of motion, making it difficult or even impossible to flex or move the foot normally. If you have severe ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor 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 office located in Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Three Grades of Ankle Sprains
Tuesday, 03 September 2024 00:00

Plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose disease, is a benign condition characterized by the development of fibrous nodules along the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. These nodules are usually firm and can be felt under the skin, most commonly appearing on the arch of the foot. Symptoms of plantar fibromatosis include the presence of plantar fibromas, or lumps, which may cause discomfort or pain, especially while walking or standing for prolonged periods. The exact cause of plantar fibromatosis is not well understood, but it is believed to be linked to genetic factors, trauma to the foot, or other conditions. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests like an ultrasound or an MRI scan to assess the nodules. Treatment options include orthotics to reduce pressure, targeted exercises, steroid injections, and in more severe cases, surgical removal of the nodules to alleviate symptoms. If you notice a lump on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Genine Befumo, DPM of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

  • Steroid injections
  • Orthotics
  • Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Fibroma

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