Items filtered by date: July 2025

Sever's disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or overuse. Causes include running, jumping, and improper footwear. Symptoms include heel pain during activity, limping, or tenderness when the heel is squeezed. Risk factors include rapid growth spurts, high-impact sports, and flat or high-arched feet. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through examination and recommend treatments such as rest, stretching, and shoe modifications. If your active child complains of heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. 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 Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Your feet can reveal important clues about your overall health. Hairless feet and toes may signal poor circulation, often linked to vascular issues. Frequent foot cramping might suggest dehydration or a lack of essential nutrients, such as potassium or magnesium. A sore that does not heal could be an early sign of diabetes, indicating reduced blood flow or nerve damage. Cold feet may point to hypothyroidism, where reduced thyroid activity affects circulation and body temperature. A podiatrist is trained to recognize these warning signs, provide diagnostic support, and guide you toward appropriate care. If you have foot pain or notice unusual changes in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.