There is a growth plate in the heels of all feet, and it may become inflamed during a growth spurt in teenagers who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. The point of inflammation is where the Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel bone. This is known as Sever’s disease and it can cause uncomfortable heel pain. In some cases, an X-ray is necessary to show any irregularities of the heel bone. The pain may be more severe in the morning after arising and the heel may be tender and swollen. It is beneficial to temporarily stop the activity that caused the pain and orthotics may be prescribed to help the heel feel better. Some patients need to wear a cast as this can help to accelerate the healing process. If your child has heel pain and you suspect it may be Sever’s disease, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Spartan Podiatry. 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 offices located in Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are many bones in your feet, and they each play an important role in helping your feet move and function. When important bones break or become inflamed, this can result in complications that might be painful or uncomfortable. For example, under your big toe are two sesamoid bones near the bottom of your feet. These bones can become inflamed from an injury or from tension that might occur if your big toe is suddenly and forcefully pushed upward. There are many different symptoms that can be felt from sesamoiditis. The most common symptom is pain. When putting pressure on the feet during walking or other physical activities, it is common for individuals with sesamoiditis to experience pain. However, what may make sesamoiditis difficult for the average person to identify is that there are not usually any noticeable, visual symptoms. That is to say that an individual might experience pain but not be able to point to any visual signs of sesamoiditis on their feet. To diagnose sesamoiditis, a medical professional can perform a bone scan or an MRI to identify the condition. If you are experiencing pain and inflammation in your sesamoid bones, contact a podiatrist who can help you treat the problem.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion can develop due to genetic reasons or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. Additionally, there may be medical reasons why bunions develop, including arthritis, or a weakness of the joint. A bunion is defined as a bony protrusion that forms on the bottom of the joint in the big toe, and it can be quite uncomfortable while wearing shoes. The symptoms that many patients experience can include stiffness in the big toe, and the toe may be swollen. With larger bunions, a corn or callus may develop on top of it as a result of the toe rubbing against the shoe. Relief may be found by wearing shoes that are flat, and fit correctly. Some patients find that it helps to cover the bunion with a pad, and this may help to reduce the friction. A bunion is considered to be a deformity, and if you have this condition, it is advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who might perform surgery for permanent removal. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors 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?

Doctors 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 doctor.

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 Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The age-old question of what type of shoes to wear for walking, especially fitness walking, continues. While runners have different needs compared to fitness walkers, and some running shoes would not be appropriate for walking, some of the shoes designed for walking can be even worse. Some walking shoes are made more for comfort and work purposes than walking for fitness. These types of shoes are highly cushioned to relieve stress from standing and may be heavy and not as flexible as needed. Running shoes tend to have more of the latest developments in technology with respect to cushioning for fitness walking, as well as motion control, and support. When choosing a running shoe for fitness walking, running stores can help you determine if you need motion control shoes, stability shoes, or neutral, lightweight trainers. The shoe you get should bend some and be able to be flexed at the forefoot. Look for shoes of 10 mm or less of a heel-to-toe drop. Make sure the heel of the shoe is undercut and angles in from the heel to the ground rather than being flared. Most importantly, make sure they feel comfortable. For additional help picking the right shoe for your particular foot and the needs of fitness walking or any other exercise you plan to embark upon, visit a podiatrist, who can examine your feet and gait and make specialized recommendations.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.