Items filtered by date: April 2023

Sever’s disease is a foot condition that active children and young teenagers may be prone to getting. It happens as a result of the growth plate in the heel developing faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons. Heel pain is often the first sign of Sever’s disease, and can come from repeated stress while frequently performing physical activities. Some of these can include soccer, football, and track. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may increase heel pain, and parents may notice their child is limping or walking on tip-toes. A diagnosis is generally performed that can begin with analyzing the child's gait, or walking pattern. This can be effective in ruling out an abnormal foot shape, which may include having flat feet or high arches. Treatment typically begins with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the pain, and resting the affected foot as often as possible. If you notice symptoms in your child that may indicate Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help your child to feel better.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Bangor 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 Bangor, Brodheadsville, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

There is no question about how painful gout can be. It is a foot condition that is classified as arthritis, which happens when crystals form in the joints of the big toe. This is caused by having excess uric acid in the blood, which can come from the type of foods that are eaten. These can include foods that are laden with purines, such as shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Genetic factors may also contribute to getting gout, and patients may want to be aware of what they are eating if it runs in their families. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include swelling surrounding the affected joint, and it may be warm and tender when touched. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to developing gout. These can consist of diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. If you have bouts of gout, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment and prevention methods.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Brodheadsville, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The sesamoid bones are connected to other bones by tendons, and they are the only ones that are not connected to other bones by joints. They may also be found embedded in the muscles throughout the body, and two of them are located in the foot. They are found underneath the foot, and they help to move the big toe. Additionally, they support the weight of the body, and sesamoiditis may occur when the surrounding tendons become inflamed or irritated. Ballet dancers, runners, and baseball catchers may be prone to developing this condition, which can be a result of excess force that is placed on the feet while participating in these activities. People who have high arches or who have medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis, may get sesamoiditis, and the bones may become weakened. Common symptoms that can accompany this condition include bruising, swelling, and it may be difficult to straighten or bend the big toe. Treatment generally begins when the activity is stopped that caused this condition, and elevating the foot may reduce the swelling. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose sesamoiditis, and guide you toward the right treatment solutions.

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 Bangor 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 Bangor, Brodheadsville, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain, whether mild or severe, can be a significant disruption and annoyance for many patients. Foot pain can have many different potential causes. One overlooked, yet serious, cause of foot pain is dehydration. When the human body becomes dehydrated and lacks water, then the muscles in the feet can spasm or cramp as a result. The body can become dehydrated for a variety of different reasons, such as lack of water or loss of fluids. Muscle cramps in the feet can cause a range of symptoms. Specifically, they can cause sharp painful sensations, as well as swelling of some sort. If you are someone that struggles with foot pain and cramps from dehydration, then it is highly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who will be able to address any concerns that you might have and provide proper treatment. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Brodheadsville, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.