Items filtered by date: April 2021

Sever’s Disease may be considered by some to be a “growing pain” of sorts for several reasons. First, it occurs in growing children when the Achilles tendon that attaches to the heel repeatedly pulls at the growth plate located there—causing pain and inflammation. Second, growth spurts (when bones grow more rapidly than tendons) can exacerbate the condition. Third, it usually goes away when the child has finished growing and the growth plate has closed. Children with Sever’s Disease can experience pain in one or both heels—particularly upon waking and after physical activity such as running or jumping, or putting pressure on the heel. Parents can try to help ease their child’s heel pain by making them rest, icing the heel, having them do stretching exercises to loosen calf muscles, giving them anti-inflammatory medicine, and stopping them from going barefoot. If pain persists, a podiatrist will be able to offer additional information and pain relief therapies.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. 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 Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

The ankles may suffer for women who choose to frequently wear high heels. This can be a result of the amount of body weight the ankle joints bear, and is generally increased when high heels are worn. Research has shown that arthritis may develop in women who enjoy wearing high heels, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, the Achilles tendon can be affected. This is the tendon that is located in the back of the leg, and connects the calf muscles to the heel. Consistent wearing of high heels, can make this tendon feel stiff. If you would like additional information about the effect high heels have on the feet, please confer with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Falling is a normal part of everyday life for children when they are learning to walk. It is important for parents to provide an environment that will protect their children from getting hurt when falling occurs. There are basic strategies that can be implemented to help limit the amount of falling episodes. These can include installing gates on both ends of the staircase, removing worn rugs, and it may be beneficial to refrain from using baby walkers. Many people also choose to lock their doors when their child learns to walk, and this can be helpful in preventing falls on concrete or brick steps. When guard rails are installed around a child's bed, this can help to keep them safe and secure while sleeping and prevent falls. Unwanted foot conditions may develop as a result from falling, so it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you solutions that can help to protect your child and their feet.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.