Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repeated stress. This condition is most often seen in physically active young children and teenagers who participate in running and jumping sports. The heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, which can create tension and irritation. Symptoms of Sever’s disease include heel pain during activity, tenderness at the back of the heel, and mild swelling. Children may walk on their toes or limp to avoid discomfort. Pain often worsens after sports and improves with rest. Risk factors include participation in high-impact sports, rapid growth spurts, and tight calf muscles. Improper footwear and a lack of support can increase strain on the heel. Children with flat feet or high arches may also be more prone to this condition. Management includes rest, stretching exercises, and supportive footwear to reduce stress on the heel. Early care helps prevent ongoing discomfort and supports healthy growth. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can accurately diagnose and provide effective relief tips for Sever’s disease.

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

• Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
• Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed
• Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel
• Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities
• Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON . 

Pain on the bottom of the foot can arise from a variety of conditions, and identifying the source is the first step toward relief. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, nerve irritation, stress fractures, fat pad thinning, or overuse injuries from walking or running. Wearing shoes that lack cushioning or arch support can worsen the discomfort by placing additional stress on the tissues. The pain may be sharp first thing in the morning, dull and achy by the end of the day, or burning if nerves are involved. Simple measures such as rest, stretching, wearing and supportive shoes often reduce strain. Custom orthotics or targeted exercises  may provide further relief in persistent cases. Because the underlying reason can vary, self treatment may not always resolve the issue. If bottom of the foot pain continues, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for a complete evaluation and tailored care.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures
• Sinus tarsi syndrome
• Extensor tendonitis
• Tibialis anterior tendonitis
• Gout
• Athlete’s foot
• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Foot cramps
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fibromatosis
• Posterior tibial tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain
• Cuboid syndrome
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Bunions
• Corns or calluses
• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bone spurs
• Heel fractures
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout
• Hammertoe
• Turf toe
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails
• Blisters
• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON . 

Blisters are a common issue for hikers and occur when friction, moisture, or pressure irritates the skin. Long treks, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or damp socks can create hot spots that quickly turn into painful blisters. Preventing blisters starts with wearing properly fitted footwear and moisture wicking socks. Changing socks during a hike and stopping at the first sign of a hot spot can reduce irritation. It is important not to pop blisters, as this increases the risk of infection. A chiropodist can provide safe and sterile treatment of blisters, recommend protective padding, and offer guidance on proper footwear and skin care. If you have developed blisters from hiking, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can treat infected blisters and offer additional prevention tips.

Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is a Blister? 

A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin. 

Treatment 

If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON .