When Growing Pains Affect the Heel

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children and adolescents, often occurring during periods of rapid growth. It is caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, frequently triggered by repetitive stress from running, jumping, or sports activity. This is especially common in children with tight calf muscles or high arches. Symptoms include pain at the back or bottom of the heel, swelling, tenderness, and limping after activity. The heel may look slightly swollen or red, and it can feel sore, stiff, or sensitive when walking, running, or standing on tiptoe. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful examination of the heel and foot structure to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Treatment often includes rest, footwear guidance, and targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen the calf and heel. Early care helps prevent further pain and allows safe activity. If your child is having issues with their feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and  appropriate treatment plan.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Whiting and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Recognizing a Plantar Wart

Plantar warts are growths that develop on the bottom of the foot when a virus enters through small breaks in the skin. A plantar wart may appear as a rough, thickened area with small dark dots from tiny clotted blood vessels. Walking pressure can cause soreness or a sharp sensation, especially when the wart forms on the heel or ball of the foot. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis and recommend medical treatment based on size, depth, and pain level. Options include prescription-strength topical medications, controlled chemical treatments, freezing techniques, laser therapy, or minor in-office procedures to remove the lesion. Follow-up care focuses on clearing any remaining virus and reducing recurrence while protecting healthy skin. If you believe you have a plantar wart on your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Whiting and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What Are Plantar Warts?

When the Outside of the Foot Becomes a Problem

A tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, develops at the base of the small toe when the 5th metatarsal bone shifts outward. This condition may be caused by inherited foot structure, repetitive pressure, or tight footwear that crowds the toes. Symptoms include aching pain, swelling, and irritation on the outside of the foot, along with signs such as redness, callus formation, and tenderness. The area may look like a small bony bump and can feel sore or burning, especially when wearing narrow shoes or walking for long periods. Over time, discomfort may interfere with daily activities. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful examination and imaging when needed to confirm the diagnosis and assess bone alignment. Treatment usually begins with footwear changes, padding, and custom orthotics, and may progress to medications, targeted exercises, or corrective procedures when conservative care does not provide relief. If you have a painful tailor’s bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Scott Amoss, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Whiting and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Protecting Your Feet While Working in the Kitchen

Working in a kitchen can be demanding on the feet due to long hours of standing and walking on hard surfaces. Using anti-fatigue mats helps reduce pressure and strain, while taking breaks to rest the feet can prevent soreness. Wearing supportive, non-slip shoes provides stability and reduces the risk of falls. Additionally, compression socks may improve circulation and decrease swelling. Paying attention to early signs of foot discomfort allows for timely care and prevention of serious injuries. A podiatrist can assess foot health, recommend proper footwear, and provide treatments for pain or fatigue. If you have foot pain while working, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional tips for foot protection on the job. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Whiting and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Working on Your Feet

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

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