If your child is complaining about painful or swollen heels, or you have noticed them avoiding putting weight on their heels, they may have a condition known as Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease is an irritation of the growth plate in the heel bone. During puberty, when bones tend to grow more rapidly than muscles and tendons, these tissues can tighten and lose flexibility in response. If this tightening happens in the Achilles tendon, which attaches to heel bone, it can pull on the heel and irritate its growth plate. Sever’s disease is most common in children going through a growth spurt and who are physically active, especially with sports involving repetitive running and jumping. The condition typically occurs in children aged 10-12, before the heel bone has completely hardened. If you suspect your child may be experiencing Sever’s disease, take them to see a podiatrist who can diagnose the issue and help treat the pain and discomfort.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. 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 Chico, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

With falls being among the top safety hazards for senior citizens, it’s important to reduce the risks of falling at home. Simple behavioral precautions are a good start, such as walking carefully and not rushing around to perform other tasks. Halls, stairs, and high traffic areas should be clutter-free, and any objects on the ground that could be a tripping hazard should be removed. Never rush up or down on the stairs, always use the handrail, and remove any objects that could be tripped over. Remove or tape down mats and rugs so they are secure as you walk or stand on them. Grab bars in the shower/tub and next to the commode can help keep you safer in the bathroom. It’s also a good practice to avoid going barefoot. Slippers should be close-backed and well-fitted (not loose) with slip-resistant soles. Footwear should have a proper fit and structure to provide balance and support at all times. A podiatrist should be consulted as well for professional advice on footwear and to address any issues with your feet or gait which may be compromising your mobility and balance.

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 Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. 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 office located in Chico, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When you have dry, thickened, callused skin around the edges of your heels, they can crack due to the fat pad under your heels expanding while you walk. There are several factors that can cause dry, cracked heels or exacerbate the problem. These include standing for prolonged periods of time, wearing shoes with open backs or walking around barefoot, taking long, hot showers, using harsh soaps, and living in a cold or dry climate. Certain medical conditions, such as a fungal infection, psoriasis, or a vitamin deficiency, can also cause cracked heels. While cracked heels are typically not painful, those who have particularly deep cracks may experience pain and bleeding, and people with underlying health conditions, like diabetes, should always be monitoring the health of their heels. To learn more about cracked heels and to help find the right treatment for yours, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Indulgent foods are everywhere during the holiday season, and while you might be well aware of their effects on your waistline, you may be less aware of their effect on your foot health. If you have previously experienced a gout attack, or are at risk of gout due to family history or underlying conditions, it is very important to watch what you eat and drink during the holidays. Food and drinks rich in purines, such as red meats, shellfish, and alcoholic or sugary beverages, can lead to increased uric acid levels in the bloodstream. An overabundance of uric acid can cause urea crystals to form and lodge in the joints of the feet, leading to painful gout flare ups. To learn more about the connection between nutrition and foot health, speak with a podiatrist today. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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