Items filtered by date: May 2024

Sever's disease is often experienced by active children aged nine to 14. It occurs when the child’s calf muscle and Achilles tendon excessively pull on the growth plate of the heel bone, or calcaneus, which is still developing until about age 15. Sever’s disease typically arises in young athletes, whose vigorous activities put additional strain on their heels. Children may experience pain along the sides of their heels, which intensifies when they stand on tiptoes or run. Some may also notice warmth and swelling in the affected area. A diagnosis is usually based on these symptoms, as X-rays, while helpful for ruling out issues like bone cysts or stress fractures, cannot confirm Sever's disease. Relief options include using heel pads to reduce tendon strain, night splints to stretch the calf muscles, or in severe cases, a cast to immobilize the area. If your active child is experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and appropriate treatment for Sever’s disease. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. 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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

As you age, elderly foot care becomes increasingly important for maintaining mobility and overall well-being. Elderly individuals are particularly susceptible to foot problems due to factors such as decreased circulation, thinning skin, and loss of natural cushioning. To promote foot health, it is essential for seniors to prioritize regular foot inspections, checking for any signs of redness, swelling, cuts, or sores. Keeping feet clean and moisturized can help prevent dryness and cracking, which can lead to infections. Wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate support and cushioning is vital for preventing foot pain and deformities. Additionally, it is beneficial for seniors to engage in gentle foot exercises, such as toe curls and ankle rotations, to improve circulation and flexibility. If foot pain or other conditions have developed, it is strongly suggested that you contact podiatrist who can offer relief methods and provide additional tips on elderly foot care.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Kohler disease, though rare, can cause distress for both you and your child. This bone disorder is characterized by pain and swelling in the foot, often resulting in a limp and pain during walking. While Kohler disease primarily affects boys aged three to seven, girls can also be affected. It is less frequent in girls, however, with typically only one foot being involved, which leads to a preference for walking on the side of the foot. The exact cause of Kohler disease is uncertain. Stress-related compression during critical growth periods and delayed bone formation are thought to be related to its development. The tissue destruction takes place in the navicular bone of the foot due to compromised blood flow, resulting in pain and discomfort. A podiatrist can order X-rays of the navicular bone to identify any such abnormalities. Treatment options include pain management and supportive measures, such as weight-bearing casts or special shoes. Fortunately, Kohler disease may resolve on its own within six months to two years. Even so, early intervention to alleviate discomfort and support natural healing is encouraged. If your child is limping, or otherwise exhibits symptoms that signal pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam, diagnosis, and treatment options. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken ankle occurs when the bones forming the ankle joint suffer fractures. This injury often arises from sudden impacts, twists, or repetitive stress on the ankle. Symptoms typically entail intense pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, and potential deformity surrounding the ankle area. Managing a broken ankle depends on factors like the extent and location of the fracture. Treatment options may include immobilization using a cast or splint, rest, elevation, and occasionally surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bones. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions, including fractures.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.