Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or pressure. This condition often affects active children between 8 and 14 years old who are involved in sports that include running or jumping. Risk factors include rapid growth, flat feet, poor footwear, and intense physical activity. Symptoms may include heel pain, limping, stiffness, and tenderness in the back of the foot. A podiatrist can diagnose Sever's disease through a physical exam and recommend treatments, such as rest, stretching, proper footwear, and custom inserts. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS from Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. 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 Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

A metatarsal stress fracture is a small crack in one of the long bones of the foot, caused by repetitive pressure or overuse. Common in athletes, dancers, and individuals who increase activity levels quickly, this injury often develops gradually. Symptoms include localized pain that worsens with weight-bearing, swelling, and tenderness over the affected bone. Risk factors include poor footwear, sudden changes in activity or intensity, weak bones, and biomechanical issues. A podiatrist can diagnose the fracture using imaging and physical exams and will guide recovery through rest, protective footwear, or activity modification. If you have foot pain that increases with movement, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem and provide treatment..

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS from Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Toe pain can stem from a variety of everyday causes. Stubbing the toe may lead to bruising or even fractures, while wearing tight or narrow shoes can cause pressure, irritation, and alignment problems. As people age, joints in the toes may stiffen or develop arthritis, leading to chronic discomfort. Persistent toe pain should not be ignored, especially if it interferes with walking or daily activities. A podiatrist can diagnose the source of the pain, offer treatments to relieve discomfort, and suggest footwear or custom supports to prevent future issues. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to restore comfort and maintain your foot health.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS of Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Golfers are at risk of developing foot and ankle injuries usually due to the repeated motions involved in swinging the club. One foot issue common to golfers is intermetatarsal neuroma, a painful nerve condition in the forefoot caused by pressure during the swing, often affecting the non-dominant foot. Another problem is lateral ankle pain, which results from repeated motion during follow-through. As the body rotates, the back foot often rolls outward, termed supination, while the heel moves slightly inward. These combined forces can strain the ankle ligaments and surrounding tendons. Golfers may also develop subungual hematomas, which are collections of blood beneath the toenail, typically under the big toe of the dominant foot, caused by repeated pressure during the swing. Even driving the golf cart can lead to top-of-foot pain, especially if the brake is used heavily. A podiatrist can diagnose these issues and recommend effective treatment. If you believe you have foot or ankle pain related to playing golf, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, who can offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS from Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Foot problems become increasingly common with age due to wear and tear, medical conditions, and footwear habits. Seniors often face bunions, which are painful bumps that form when the big toe shifts out of place, sometimes causing inflammation and discomfort. Corns and calluses develop from pressure and friction, especially when shoes do not fit properly. Thick, brittle, discolored, or ingrown toenails can also become problematic and may lead to pain or infection. Other issues from improper footwear in seniors include arthritis-related stiffness, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs causing arch or heel pain, and flat feet or high arches that alter foot alignment. Nerve-related conditions such as tarsal tunnel syndrome and Morton’s neuroma may also cause burning, tingling, or cramping sensations. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS from Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. 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 Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.